Educators are often the first to notice mental health problems in children and young adults. Here are some ways you can help your students and their families.
There are some signs to look for when a child is experiencing a mental health concern. Consult with a school counselor, nurse, or administrator and the student's parents if you observe one or more of the following behaviors:
Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
Seriously trying to harm oneself, or making plans to do so
Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
Involvement in many fights or desire to badly hurt others
Severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make oneself lose weight
Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still that puts the student in physical danger or causes problems in the classroom
Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Drastic changes in the student's behavior or personality
What educators can do in classrooms and schools
You can support the mental health of all students in your classroom and school, not just individual students who may exhibit behavioral issues. Consider the following actions:
Learn more about mental health by taking a mental health awareness training
Promote social and emotional competency and build resilience
Help ensure a positive, safe school environment
Teach and reinforce positive behaviors and decision-making
Encourage helping others
Encourage good physical health
Help ensure access to school-based mental health supports
Developing effective school mental health programs
Efforts to care for the emotional wellbeing of children and youth can extend beyond the classroom and into the entire school. School-based mental health programs can focus on promoting mental wellness, preventing mental health problems, and providing treatment.
Effective programs:
Promote the healthy social and emotional development of all children and youth
Recognize when young people are at risk for or are experiencing mental health problems
Identify how to intervene early and appropriately when there are problems
Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
