Children and youth with mental health conditions often encounter issues at school. As parents and teachers, we are responsible for identifying and providing the support these students need. To provide consent, you need to know your students and where they are coming from.

We sometimes think we only refer to mental health issues when we talk about school issues. We are referring to many different things that students might be experiencing, some related to their mental health concerns and others about other school-related issues such as bullying.

At Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, we seek to provide a safe and supportive place for students to reflect, learn and heal. We have provided our best practices for student-centered care and development to schools for many years.

If you are a parent or teacher and know that your children or youth may have mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us. We provide consultation, workshops, training, and mental health services for children, youth, and their families.

Our concern is not only about mental health. We offer practical solutions that help students overcome their challenges. Our goal is to support students to lead successful school lives and become empowered adults who can better cope with stress and adversity in the future.

Why is Mental Health Important in School?

Students may learn better if they feel safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. They may work hard in school if they have a positive attitude and believe that their peers will understand their questions and concerns.

In reality, students are experiencing bullying and other school-related issues in many schools. Too often, they cannot talk to their teachers or parents about it or hesitate because of concerns about being excluded. They might have to choose between talking with a peer during a crisis and losing their social status or acceptance of being famous.

That is why students’ mental and emotional health is critical in their schools. It is a basic human need and must be addressed appropriately at school.

How Do Mental Health Issues Affect Children at School?

The school environment can directly affect any child’s overall health and well-being. It means that if the child has mental health concerns, it is even more essential to ensure their safety and to provide exceptional support.

A school setting can be a stressful environment, especially for students who are experiencing mental health issues. For example, they might be worried about their academic performance. They might be anxious, depressed, or have other concerns related to their mental health. These kinds of worries may distract them from success in school and affect their ability to concentrate on or commit their efforts to particular tasks.

That is why addressing mental health needs at school is a priority. The students must be able to focus on their new learning and not worry about how to achieve their academic goals or how peers will accept them.

How Common Are Mental Health Disorders in School-aged Children?

School-aged children face a variety of challenges related to their social and academic life. Sometimes they face other challenges, such as financial issues, or may be dealing with a family illness. When students are facing chronic stressors, they might also develop mental health issues.

The majority of children experience mild to moderate mental health problems. By the time they reach adolescence, some things may change, such as personality disorders, learning disabilities, and mood disorders. It means that it is not teenagers who commonly have these kinds of problems. Still, their parents and teachers might have concerns about their behavior.

Many adolescents have different thoughts and feelings about themselves and others. They may feel they do not fit in with their peers or are trying to belong but do not know how to do it. It can result in anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

If you have concerns about your child’s or student’s mental health, we can help. We offer mental health services to children and youth of all ages and their families. At Hanei Health Solutions in Gaithersburg and Catonsville, MD, we provide mental health care for children and youth with a wide range of concerns, such as anxiety, depression (including bipolar disorder), adjustment problems, and other emotional disorders.

How to Handle School Issues

If your child has mental health concerns, you should talk to them about your problems or help them find the right person to speak with. It would be best if you also made plans for dealing with issues at school. It is a good idea for you to be involved in the decision-making process about how and when to seek help from professionals such as school counselors and therapists.

To discuss with students their anxieties and other thoughts, you can use well-developed techniques of positive reframing. Students are often able to express their concerns and thoughts more effectively when they can use those techniques.

What Can the School Do to Help Students?

The school system can be essential in addressing mental health concerns in children and adolescents. It has a great deal of influence over these young people’s lives. Parents, teachers, and other members of the community have an essential role to play as well.

Indeed, schools are not centers for treatment – instead, they are places where children receive an education. That means that students need to be engaged in the learning process, and their relationship with their teachers should be positive. If the student’s mental health is unstable, it might be challenging to focus on their studies or make meaningful progress.

Students can learn to manage their emotions better and be more open and honest with their peers and teachers at school. They can be taught how to develop positive coping skills to deal with stressors that will not harm them or cause them other concerns such as anxiety, depression, or other emotional disorders.

Schools also need programs that address the issue of mental health concerns. It is vital for schools to work together with communities and for families to become involved when it comes to finding solutions for these problems.