Mental health and wellbeing have very much become topics at the forefront of conversations, particularly in regards to education and students in particular. Often students are considered to have minimal stress and at the ‘simplest’ stage of life; as such, many people underestimate how many students in fact struggle with their mental health and wellbeing and the profound impact it can have on a student’s academic success.
As parents, teachers and tutors, understanding the pivotal role of mental health in a child’s academic journey and recognising the signs of students who may be battling with mental health challenges is crucial. It allows us to support students’ academic performance, foster holistic development and help young people to address potential challenges early by promoting a positive and safe educational environment.
The Importance of Mental Health and Wellbeing for Students
Challenges with mental health and wellbeing do not always mean a student or an individual has been diagnosed as having a ‘mental disorder’ or being neurodiverse. Mental health can impact anyone at any time for any number of reasons; all mental health stories are different.
For students, a healthy mental state can contribute to improved concentration, enhanced learning abilities and increased resilience in the face of adversity and academic challenges. In contrast, neglecting mental health can lead to stress, anxiety and perhaps even more severe mental health challenges. Not only can this hinder a student’s capacity to thrive academically but it may also put their overall safety and wellbeing at risk.
A deeper level of awareness also allows partners, tutors, teachers and students to offer more support for those struggling and reduce stigma around mental health, enabling more open conversations and laying the foundations for longer-term wellbeing.
What impacts a student’s mental health?
There are a multitude of factors that can play a role in a student’s mental health and wellbeing. Students may be impacted by things like home life, social interactions, personal relationships or understanding their sexuality but a number of factors surrounding a student’s education and academic performance can also impact their overall mental health. For example:
- Exam stress or the pressure of coursework and homework deadlines can lead to heightened anxiety or sleep disturbance, impacting a student’s academic performance but also their overall mental health and emotional stability.
- Fear of falling behind in a subject or competitiveness with peers may contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and increased stress levels, which in turn play a role in a student’s mental health.
- Transition into a new school or academic year may trigger feelings of uncertainty as students navigate new environments, face unfamiliar challenges and grapple with the need to establish new social connections. This period of adjustment can affect their emotional wellbeing, potentially influencing their academic performance and overall mental health.
- Pressure to achieve top marks – students who feel a sense of perfectionism or the pressure to meet high, ‘unattainable’ standards can contribute to heightened stress which may have a knock on effect on mental health and wellbeing.
- Peer relationships within school – it is not uncommon for students to have disagreements with peers and conflict within friendship groups can cause emotional distress and heightened anxiety, which will in turn impact mental health.
Equally, students who struggle with social interaction or have fewer relationships with peers may experience feelings of loneliness or a lack a sense of belonging which plays a role in their mental wellbeing.
- Social media – the constant presence of technology and social media in young peoples’ lives today can add layers of complexity to the student experience, potentially exacerbating feelings of isolation and inadequacy.
Identifying Students Who Are Struggling
You don’t need to be an expert in mental health and wellness or child psychology to be able to recognise the signs of a student who is struggling.
Simply having an awareness of indicative red flags can be a step in the right direction to providing a student with the support they need. The following are some common signs to look out for, though this is not an exhaustive list as students will each process their feelings differently.
- Academic Decline – Some students struggling with their mental health may have a sudden drop in grades or a noticeable decline in academic performance. This could be on account of loss of motivation, disengagement with a subject or school as a whole, lack of sleep or simply excess stress. A decline in academic performance can be indicative of underlying mental health issues so this is worth noting if you spot this in your child or student.
- Changes in Behaviour – Drastic changes in behaviour, such as increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities or a loss of interest in previously enjoyed pursuits may also be a signal of emotional distress and struggles with mental health and wellbeing.
- Physical Symptoms – Frequent headaches, stomach aches or changes in sleeping patterns can be physical manifestations of mental health challenges so parents, teachers and tutors should take note of physical symptoms that persist.
- Social Withdrawal – Mental health challenges can contribute to social withdrawal which can impact both the emotional and academic aspects of a student’s life. If a student is feeling overwhelmed, anxious or is experiencing feelings of inadequacy or negative self-perception, they may isolate themselves from peers, making it difficult to collaborate on group projects or engage in discussions.
Methods to Support Students’ Mental Health
Parents, teachers and tutors play vital roles in supporting students struggling with their mental health and fostering a positive and safe environment for them to work through these challenges. There is a not a one size fits all approach to tackling students’ mental health and helping to improve their wellbeing but there are various methods parents and tutors can explore:
- Open communication – It is important to create an open dialogue and a safe environment where children feel they can openly discuss their emotions and the challenges they are facing without fear of judgement.
Without the ability to express these concerns and feelings, students may suppress these emotions which can lead to increased stress, anxiety and a decline in mental health and wellbeing. So having an open forum to communicate with you can be a huge weight off their shoulders and allows you to best support them.
- Liaise with school safeguarding teams – Every school will have safeguarding measures and teams in place to help support students who are struggling with any number of challenges, mental health and wellbeing one of them.
For parents, it is worth familiarising yourself with who the best point(s) of contact are at your child’s school so you can discuss any concerns openly with the team as well as a plan to ensure your child has the necessary support both at home and at school.
Equally, it can be worth communicating any concerns or agreed next steps with the school to a child’s tutor. Tutors will always tailor programmes to a student’s individual needs so they will be able to adapt sessions to ensure they are in turn supporting your child’s mental health and wellbeing and fostering a positive learning environment that still helps them progress.
- Educate on Stress Management – Sharing stress management techniques with students such as mindfulness and meditation, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and deep breathing exercises can help alleviate stress and support mental wellbeing. Equipping students with effective time management skills can also give students a greater sense of control over their academic responsibilities, helping to further reduce stress.
- Flexibility with deadlines – Deadlines are of course an important part of a student’s education and some, like those mandated by exam boards, will have no flexibility. But, where possible, we encourage teachers and tutors to consider whether any deadlines may have flexibility to help reduce stress and anxiety for students known to be struggling with their mental health as they navigate these challenges.
- Encourage Healthy Habits – Promote a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nutritious diet and adequate sleep, as these factors significantly impact mental health.
Exercise promotes the release of mood-enhancing endorphins; a balanced diet supports optimal brain function and quality sleep is crucial for cognitive performance and emotional wellbeing. Collectively, these healthy habits all play vital roles in maintaining and improving mental health.
These habits also include regular periods to relax. Conflicting exams, homeworks, assignments and subjects can be overwhelming for students and it’s very easy to become hyper focused on studies that you leave very little time to switch off. Taking time off from study allows students to recharge, reducing stress and preventing burnout which is crucial for maintaining mental health, enhancing focus and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Seek Professional Support – if a child’s signs of mental health struggles persist, seeking professional guidance and further support from counsellors, psychologists or mental health experts can provide targeted assistance. Recommended contacts can be found in the useful resources section at the end of this post.
Investing in a student’s mental health is crucial for their future success and happiness. By developing an understanding of mental health, the common triggers and management techniques, educators can make a significant difference for those struggling and foster a supportive environment that empowers and supports students as they navigate academic challenges.
Please note this blog post is simply a guide to understanding students’ mental health and wellbeing, and initial recommendations to help support them on their journey. For suggested contacts for detailed, expert advice and confidential support, please see the useful resources section below or contact your GP.
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Useful resources:
- For students aged 11-18 years old who may be struggling with their mental health and wellness, charity ‘Mind’ has a comprehensive list of recommended organisations, services and helplines that can offer support and information.
- For students entering into higher education or adults who need support with their mental health, visit Mind’s university student page or the NHS Mental Health Helpline.