When a student discloses mental health problems to a teacher, it’s important for the teacher to respond with sensitivity, support, and appropriate action. The way teachers handle these conversations can significantly impact the student’s well-being and willingness to seek help.
Tips for Teachers for When Students Disclose Mental Health Problems
1. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
- Stay calm and composed: Even if the disclosure is alarming, maintaining a calm demeanor helps the student feel safe. Smile and tell them that you understand and are glad they told you.
- Be non-judgmental: Avoid expressing shock or disbelief. Show empathy and listen without judging the student’s feelings or situation.
2. Listen Actively
- Give your full attention: Make eye contact, put aside distractions, and focus on what the student is saying. Listen for a long time before you respond. Most people don’t get the experience of being deeply heard. You don’t need to fix or talk them out of their negative feelings. Being heard and understood is alone transformative. Many young people don’t experience that acknowledging attention or being heard. (Watch these two videos to learn how to be a good listener. How to be a Good Friend. Active Listening Skills. )
- Use reflective listening: Summarize or paraphrase what the student shares to show you’re truly listening (e.g., “It sounds like you’ve been feeling really overwhelmed lately”).
- Validate their feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel the way they do, and that their feelings are important. Avoid minimizing their experiences.
3. Acknowledge the Student’s Courage
- Thank them for sharing: It takes courage to open up about mental health struggles, especially to a teacher. Acknowledge the bravery it took for the student to confide in you.
- Reassure them: Let them know it’s okay to talk about mental health and that seeking support is a positive step.
4. Avoid Trying to “Fix” the Problem
- Don’t offer quick solutions: Mental health issues are complex, and it’s not your role to solve the problem. Instead, focus on being a supportive listener and guiding the student to professional help.
- Don’t make promises you can’t keep: Avoid saying things like “Everything will be okay” or “This will pass,” as you can’t predict the outcome. Saying, “You are not alone.” is much more helpful.
5. Respect Their Privacy and Confidentiality
- Maintain discretion: Don’t share the student’s disclosure with other students or staff members except the school counselor. Always speak to school counselors about struggling students, so they can check on them. Let the student know beforehand that you will share with their school counselor. If it is a matter of safety and no counselors are available, find an administrator and tell them before letting the student leave.
6. Know When to Refer to a Professional
- Recognize your limits: As a teacher, you are not expected to be a mental health expert. If a student’s issue goes beyond what you can handle, discuss it with the school counselor, who can refer the student to professional mental health care outside the school. Encourage them that people in all stages of their journey seek counseling; it doesn’t mean they are weak or unable to do this independently.
- Humans are social beings: Remind them that no one does anything alone, and they deserve to feel better.
7. Follow Up and Check In
- Show continued support: After the initial conversation, follow up with the student to see how they’re doing. This shows you care and that they are not alone. Checking in with someone stands out because it is not common in this fast-paced world. It will mean a lot to them that you remember.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries: While being supportive, maintain professional boundaries. Make sure you’re referring them to appropriate resources rather than becoming a personal counselor.
8. Familiarize Yourself with School Policies
- Know your school’s protocols: Be aware of your school’s policies on handling mental health disclosures. This may include knowing when and how to escalate the situation to school counselors or administrators.
- Have resource lists handy: Be prepared with a list of local mental health resources, hotlines, or school-based services that you can refer students to when necessary.
9. Provide a Sense of Hope
- Reassure the student that help is available: Let them know that what they’re going through is treatable and that they’re not alone in their struggles.
- Highlight the benefits of seeking help: Encourage them to see mental health support as a way to feel better and gain tools for coping, rather than a sign of weakness.
10. Take Care of Yourself
- Seek guidance if needed: If you’re unsure how to respond to a student’s disclosure or feel emotionally impacted, consult with school counselors or administrators for advice and support.
- Manage your own mental health: Dealing with student mental health issues can be emotionally challenging. Make sure you have support systems in place for yourself, such as colleagues, mentors, or professional development resources. Teachers need to practice robust self-care for this job!
How to Respond when Students Disclose Mental Health Problems
Responding to a student’s mental health disclosure can be a delicate situation, but by listening empathetically, respecting boundaries, and guiding them toward the appropriate resources, teachers can make a positive difference in their student’s well-being. It’s essential to stay calm, show support, and ensure that students know they don’t have to face their struggles alone.