After nearly two years, the world is beginning to recover from the pandemic. Schools gradually opened across the country beginning in March 2021, with the majority resuming operations by September. For many, this signaled a much-awaited return to normal. Yet experts say that students may not necessarily feel that way.
The Cape Cod Times reports that due to the pandemic, one in four children are exhibiting symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some students may even be experiencing pandemic flux syndrome. Health resource SymptomFind, which publishes medically-reviewed articles, once explained that this condition is caused by the pandemic outlasting our natural fight-or-flight response. This results in a feeling of being emotionally overwhelmed, which in turn taxes one’s wellbeing.
As educators, you have the power to ease these emotional burdens in the hours students spend in the classroom. Here are a few ways you can help them to both cope with and overcome the mental health issues they may be facing.
Learn to recognize mental health symptoms
An important step to treating mental health issues is early intervention –– and in schools, students may well be spending more time with you than at home. This means faculty members are in the best position to catch symptoms early, meaning students stand to benefit greatly if you and your colleagues familiarize yourself with them.
Some common signs of mental distress in children include withdrawal from social interactions or sudden bursts of anger or irritability. You might notice a student undergoing sudden weight changes as well, or having difficulty focusing on class. More worrying symptoms, meanwhile, include children actively talking about hurting themselves or missing school altogether.
Catching these warning signs early allows you to reach out to students and parents as early as possible, so that they can receive the treatment they need. Ultimately, this helps make school more conducive for learning by ensuring that students are their best selves when they come in.
Make mental health resources available
In the process of recognizing and assisting with potential issues of this kind, it’s important to recognize that many students may not be able to afford mental health treatments. Online news site CNBC reports that an hour-long therapy session can run up to $250 for the uninsured. And even with health insurance, loopholes can make it difficult to receive affordable mental healthcare. Schools can help by providing comprehensive mental health services and resources right on campus.
Aside from having school counselors on board, consider establishing dedicated spaces in classrooms where students can rest when they feel overwhelmed. Health classes can also emphasize the importance of healthy eating and sleeping to one’s wellbeing, while PE teachers can promote active lifestyles. All of these things can help to equip students with the knowledge they need to maintain wellbeing.
There are also things you can do to address mental health incidents on a larger scale. First and foremost, consider forming behavioral intervention teams (BITs) that adhere to standards set by experts here at NABITA. BITs can develop intervention plans for students who are particularly at-risk for more concerning mental health issues. This holistic approach can help you respond to mental health needs as they become apparent.
Battle stigmas through education
Finally, you can help students cope with mental health issues by doing what you do best: teaching them about the subject. One way to do this is to incorporate mental health into existing health classes, in addition to existing education about physical health.
School officials can also opt to include socio-emotional learning in their curriculums. This teaches students to identify and manage their feelings, exhibit empathy towards others, and form more positive relationships. However, arguably the most effective thing you can do is to normalize talking about mental health in the first place.
By including mental health in everyday conversations, you can teach children that mental health issues are normal and nothing to be ashamed of. This will reduce the stigmas around mental health conditions, so students can cope with what they’re experiencing without fear of judgment from their peers.
Ultimately, there are many ways educators can support students in these uncertain times. Whatever you choose to do will help foster a supportive learning environment where students can thrive, in spite of the pandemic.
School officials can also opt to include socio-emotional learning in their curriculums. This teaches students to identify and manage their feelings, exhibit empathy towards others, and form more positive relationships. However, arguably the most effective thing you can do is to normalize talking about mental health in the first place.
By including mental health in everyday conversations, you can teach children that mental health issues are normal and nothing to be ashamed of. This will reduce the stigmas around mental health conditions, so students can cope with what they’re experiencing without fear of judgment from their peers.
Ultimately, there are many ways educators can support students in these uncertain times. Whatever you choose to do will help foster a supportive learning environment where students can thrive, in spite of the pandemic.
Written exclusively for nabita.org
By Jennifer Victoria Birch