Mental health crisis in schools is a growing problem that is often overlooked. The signs of a mental health crisis can be difficult to identify, and many people do not know how to respond when they see them. A mental health crisis can be caused by a number of things, such as bullying, academic pressure, family problems, or social isolation. In this post, I will walk you through 5 ways to identify an impending mental health crisis in students.
Sudden Change of Behavior
One of the most apparent signs of an impending mental health crisis in students is a sudden change of behavior. This can include things like isolation, withdrawal, or feeling out of touch with reality. If you notice sudden changes in your student’s behavior or attitude, it might be a sign that they are struggling.
Changes in Physical Appearance
Another sign that your student might be in a state of mental distress is apparent physical changes. This can include something like drastic weight loss, weight gain, or even signs of physical abuse or bullying. This is probably one of the most difficult factors to identify in students, so if you are unsure, it is best to look for another sign for confirmation or have a private discussion with your student to check-in.
Signs of Substance Abuse
If you notice that a student is using drugs or alcohol while at school, they may be on the brink of a mental health crisis. Oftentimes, people rely on substances to self-medicate or numb the pain that comes along with mental health struggles. As an educator, you have a responsibility to report substance abuse according to your school’s conduct codes. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t check in with a student to see how they are doing.
Emotional Outbursts or Aggression
A tell-tale sign of impending mental health crises in students is emotional outbursts or aggression. This is especially the case if the behavior seems uncharacteristic of the student. Sometimes an inability to regulate emotions goes hand in hand with mental health crises. For that reason, it is best to look into the underlying causes behind these sudden changes in behavior.
Reaching Out for Support
More often than not, a student will reach out for support in some way before they reach a point of crisis. However, this is not always the case. If your student reaches out to you seeking support for an impending mental health crisis, make sure that you take it seriously. If you are unable to provide the support that they need, then try to connect them to a school resource that can help them.
Mental Health Matters
Nobody should ever have to suffer in silence, especially when they are approaching a mental health crisis. That’s why it’s important to identify the signs of an impending mental health crisis in students before it gets to that point. By offering support to your students, you can help make our schools a safer and healthier place for everyone.
Do you have any tips for identifying impending mental health crises in students? Share your advice in the comments below. Together, we can open the floor for discussion.
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