Mental health challenges affect students of all ages and backgrounds. Sources of mental health issues include academic performance, sustaining friendships, and managing expectations. School-based therapists, special education teachers, school nurses, assistants, and other professionals in the school system must know students’ mental health challenges and possible ways to help them.

Six Common Mental Health Challenges for Students

Depression

This mood disorder involves persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in enjoyable activities. With students, you might notice mood swings, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, social behavior changes, and trouble concentrating. Of course, if a student displays some of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean they are depressed. However, if you see these symptoms regularly, it is probably time to arrange professional help for the student. These resources can assist you:

• Classroom Mental Health
• Center for School Mental Health

Anxiety

All students experience stress from time to time. However, ongoing worry, tension, and panic will interfere with a student’s life. Anxiety might be a medical condition that needs treatment. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Anxiety disorder are types of anxiety.

The familiar anxiety symptoms to watch for include stress, irritability, trouble concentrating, shortness of breath, headaches, upset stomach, and muscle pain. The American Psychological Association is a great resource with ways to help.

Academics

Worrying about tests, papers, and grades is enough to stress anyone, and this can be a way of life for a student. The student’s mental health can take a blow. If you work with kindergarten through eighth grade, encourage students to use organizational tools such as a study planner to help them keep track of tests and when assignments are due. Tutoring is a proven way to help students with academic fears. Encourage students to stay active and exercise, which helps reduce academic stress. For high school students, encourage relaxation techniques. Yoga and physical activities are excellent stress reducers. Encourage students to take part in support and study groups.

Mass Shootings

Mass shootings are unfortunately familiar headlines these days. Shootings interrupt our sense of order and safety. These events can significantly affect the mental health of a student. To cope with the aftermath of a school shooting, consider the following ways you can help students:

• Encourage self-care
• Tell students to pay attention to their emotional health
• Try to be available if and when a student needs support
• Encourage your students to avoid overexposure to media
• Stress the importance of continuing contact with family and friends

ADHD

ADHD is a common mental health challenge for children. Students may struggle to pay attention or have difficulty controlling impulsive behavior. It might be difficult for the student to finish a task or follow instructions. They might talk excessively and at inappropriate times. To help them out, consider:

• Make assignments clear
• Ensure assignments are not long and repetitive
• Allow breaks
• Allow time to move and exercise
• Use organizational tools

Trauma

Many children experience trauma in their lives early. These events include psychological, physical, or sexual abuse or assault. Also, school violence, domestic violence, natural disasters and the death of a loved one can affect kids. Look for learning problems, physical health problems, and substance abuse disorders. Here are resources for helping students.

Be Part of a Student’s Success Story

If a job in educational services is what you seek, let the team at the Covelo Group help you!