Today, more students are falling into the pit of anxiety and depression than ever before.
Over 60% of students had one or more mental health problems during 2020-21. A survey by the American College Health Association in 2021 shows that almost 75% of students faced moderate or severe psychological distress.
Although every teacher wants the mental health of their students to be good, they are not professional therapists and may not know how to care for their students. However, experts state that teachers’ actions can either contribute to a psychiatric disability or help a student improve their mental health.
In the guide below, an academic researcher and writer from a top paper writing service, where students can have professionals write an essay for me, explains the teachers’ role in students’ journey to mental well-being and names five ways educators can help their students improve their mental health.
Role of Educators in Supporting Student Mental Well-Being
Students may struggle with loneliness, anxiety, depression, uncertainty about their future, toxic parents, hectic study routines, etc., which not only can degrade their academic performance but also put them at serious risk of having mental issues.
As a teacher, you have an opportunity to turn your classroom into a safe space for students to open up about their struggles. Since you spend significant time with them every week, you can easily flag their challenges and offer guidance.
Educating yourself about mental health will further help you understand your students’ emotions and provide effective advice. To help you in this endeavor, here are five powerful strategies you can use to ensure profound mental health support for your students.
5 Effective Ways Teachers Can Support Their Students
Talking About Mental Health
Normalize discussing mental health in the classroom. You can create a discussion group or invite professionals to address students. It would spread awareness and allow them to help each other in times of need.
Encourage students to meditate, limit social media, listen to uplifting music, and connect with nature when they are having an episode of panic or anxiety. You can also tell them about activities that strengthen mental health, including reading books, traveling, eating healthily, and sleeping well. Having a reliable essay writing service at hand and being able to buy term paper online whenever needed also helps students reduce stress and focus on their studies. They can find such a writing service by checking out the PaperWriter review and similar ones.
Creating a Supportive Environment
The lack of a supportive environment makes it even more difficult for students to deal with anxiety, depression, and the like. You must create a safe environment where they can have honest and open communication with you, their teacher.
Be empathetic, observe your students and their behavior, and reassure them that their school is a safe place where everyone cares for one another.
You can also regularly check in with students and ask them how they feel. You can approach them outside the classroom once in a while.
Listening to Your Students’ Problems
When a student asks for help, listen to their concerns with an open mind and heart. Avoid sounding critical, asking too many questions, or interrupting them with your opinions. Try to understand them, thank them for sharing their problem, and encourage them to seek help from the school’s counselor.
You can also provide information about local mental health services and resources, such as counseling or support groups. Teach them to reach out for help whenever they go through stressful situations and let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength.
Observing Changes in Student Behavior
Be attentive and watch out for changes in your students’ behavior that may suggest mental issues. Identify if something is interfering with their ability to participate in classroom activities.
Following are some of the signs of mental health issues:
- Changes in physical appearances, such as lack of hygiene or weight loss;
- Changes in academic performance, like low grades or missed classes;
- Expressions of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or insecurity;
- Changes in behavior like irritation and anger;
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs;
- Isolation from friends or family;
- Self-harm.
If you notice any of these signs, have a conversation with the student, offer guidance, or direct them to a professional. Encourage them to take help from the best paper writing services if they feel burdened with their studies and can’t keep up with the academic load.
Getting Connected with Students
Build meaningful relationships with students and make them feel heard and respected. You can do so by getting to know them and being available to talk to them.
Since teachers are role models for students, be honest, caring, calm, and show a positive attitude towards them. You can appreciate and give them recognition for small wins. This can boost their self-esteem and motivate them to stay on track in their mental health journey.
Strong relationships with friends, family, and teachers make people happier. Hence, try to learn about a suffering student’s family and friends, and take steps to get in touch and educate the family members too about supporting their child.
Conclusion
Teachers play a vital role in supporting their students’ mental health. From monitoring how students are doing to referring them to the school counselor, you can follow the above strategies to aid their emotional well-being. If students are stressed about assignments, let them take help from a skilled essay writer. Always be caring, maintain a positive attitude, and use smart teaching methods to make your lessons fun and engaging.
Last Updated on by Sathi
Top Comments