Best Practice

Do you feel comfortable talking to pupils about mental health?

Support staff Teaching staff Pupil wellbeing Mental health
It’s good to talk. Especially so when students are facing challenges to their mental health. However, teachers often feel out of their depth when faced with these conversations on sensitive issues. Psychologist Dr Asha Patel offers her advice and reassurance

Schools today are increasingly faced with challenges associated with mental health. This is due to the rise in young people experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties, within a situation where specialist services are not easily accessible to young people or teachers.

It is fair to say that teachers want to help young people but acknowledge that they require support and guidance in doing so. Offering the student an opportunity to talk about their difficulties with someone who they feel comfortable and safe with can be a huge source of support.

Young people spend a majority of their time in contact with teachers and quality student-teacher relationships develop. These relationships are supportive and provide a safe space for the young person to discuss their difficulties and to work collaboratively towards emotional wellbeing.

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