Signs of Mental Health Issues in Children
- Behavioural changes: Look for shifts in behaviour such as withdrawal, aggression, or extreme mood swings.
- Academic decline: Noticeable drops in academic performance and loss of interest in school-related activities.
- Social isolation: Reduction in interactions with peers and reluctance to participate in group activities.
- Emotional changes: Frequent expressions of sadness, fear, anger, or emotional distress beyond what’s typical for their age.
- Physical complaints: Frequent complaints of headaches, stomach aches, or other physical discomfort without any clear medical cause.
What to Do as a Teacher If You Notice Signs of Mental Health Issues?
- Document observations: Keep detailed records of observed behaviours and share them with school counselors or parents.
- Communicate: Reach out to the school counselor, parents, and relevant staff members to discuss concerns and develop a plan.
- Maintain confidentiality: Share information about a child’s problems only with concerned individuals to respect their privacy.
Ways in Which Teachers Can Support Children’s Mental Health
- Foster a positive environment: Create a welcoming and safe classroom atmosphere.
- Build relationships: Form strong teacher-student relationships to encourage open communication and trust.
- Encourage expression: Provide opportunities for students to express their thoughts and emotions through discussions, art, or writing.
- Teach coping skills: Introduce techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and problem-solving to help children manage stress and emotions.
- Set realistic expectations: Establish achievable goals to reduce academic pressure and anxiety.
- Promote social skills: Teach teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution to enhance interpersonal relationships.
- Recognize efforts: Acknowledge and praise students’ efforts and achievements to boost their self-esteem.
- Provide routine and structure: Maintain a consistent schedule to create stability and predictability.
- Offer support services: Connect students with school counselors or mental health professionals as needed.
- Educate about mental health: Raise awareness about mental health in school and integrate discussions into the curriculum to reduce stigma.
While teachers play a crucial role, it’s important for mental health concerns to be addressed by professionals and parents as well.
