Warning signs that a student may need support with their mental health

Dr Pooky Knightsmith, mental health educator, explains the key warning signs that should alert you to a student who may need help with their mental health

There are a whole range of mental health issues and each has a range of warning signs; if we go through them all we end up with a gigantic list that we can never remember and a nagging feeling that perhaps every student we’ve ever encountered is at risk. To avoid this, I’ve kept things simple and shared some universal warning signs that we can be especially good at picking up in school.

Absence or lateness

Students whose attendance changes could be a cause for concern. There are many reasons why a student may start to arrive late or not turn up to school; sometimes these are tied directly to mental health issues – for example, depression can make it feel impossible to get out of bed in the mornings. At other times they may be linked to issues such as caring responsibilities at home, or for younger siblings. Whatever the cause, if a student’s pattern of attendance changes, it’s worth being inquisitive about it as it may well be that they are in need of some support.

Physical illness

Mental health issues can often be accompanied by physical pain and illness; in particular, if you are seeing a pattern of repeated illness it’s worth exploring whether there may be a mental health element here too. Don’t be too quick to dismiss students who always seem to be unwell at times that mean that they can avoid doing something that makes them very anxious; often the aches, pains and sickness they complain of are real, and will dissipate only if we can support them to overcome their anxiety.

Withdrawal

Students who become increasingly isolated and withdrawn are a cause for concern. This can happen for a few reasons.  Sometimes, the negative thoughts that accompany depression or anxiety can erode their self-esteem, or make them assume no-one would want to spend time with them; other times obsessive thoughts or compulsions can leave little mental capacity for chatting with friends.

Academic change

If a student’s academic performance significantly changes then this should ring alarm bells. We’re often pretty good at picking up a dip in grades, but sometimes we’ll see students suddenly become completely obsessed with their schoolwork too. If we notice that academic (or sporting) success is being prioritised above everything else, and this is coming at the cost of things like friendships or sleep, then we should begin to question what is driving this, and whether it’s healthy.

Hiding their body

Some students will work hard to hide signs of self-harm or weight loss or gain which may result in them wearing long sleeves, even in summer, wearing layers of clothes or skipping sport/changing in the toilets rather than in front of friends.

Weight change

If a student’s weight significantly increases or decreases over a brief period of time this can indicate an underlying issue, such as an eating disorder, which may lead a child to starve or binge; depression can also result in an increase or decrease in appetite. At school we’re in a great position to pick up on weight change as it can be especially noticeable after school holidays.

If I had to summarise all these warning signs and more, I’d leave you with just one word… CHANGE. If something about a student’s behaviour, appearance or attitude changes, then we should stop and wonder why, and consider whether or not they might need some help.

To find out more come and join Dr Pooky at their seminar at EdExec LIVE SOUTH on 9^th June 2022.

To register your interest for free or discounted tickets email [email protected] quoting the subject line ‘I want to learn more at EdExec LIVE!’