Mental health support tips for teachers

Published 25 January 2024

As teachers, you have a unique relationship with young people and as such are often privy to, or made aware of, when students are going through a tough time emotionally. Knowing how to support your own mental health and wellbeing, and that of your students’ is essential in providing a supportive learning environment. It is essential for your own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of students in your care, that you are able to deal with these situations appropriately.

This information will:

  • provide key messages in how to look after yourself and your students

  • list key signs to look out for in your classroom.

Teacher with geography textbook teaching class

How to provide students with support

When a student turns to you for help, it's because they trust and respect you. Sometimes being the person that someone turns to can become a burden. When students confide in you, naturally you want to do all you can to help them. But sometimes it's hard to know what to say, how to help, or who to turn to for advice. After all, you are not a trained counsellor. So here are some key messages to remember in order to look after the student, but also look after yourself.

Key Messages

  • Show you care and give them time and attention. Often students don't need anything more than someone who is willing to just be there for them. Having a trusted adult that they can talk to is an important protective factor.

  • Be yourself and be prepared to listen and understand what is happening to the student.

  • Be non-judgmental, patient, calm, and accepting. The student may be reluctant to talk about their problem because they don't want to upset anyone, but they need to know they're doing the right thing by talking to someone.

  • Know how and when to go to others for help. Encourage the student to seek help themselves. They may feel supported if you offer to go with them when they speak with a school counsellor or welfare advisor.

  • If you feel out of your depth, don't try dealing with the situation alone. If you feel like the problem is serious or you have concerns for the student's welfare you must report it to your Principal. As mandatory reporters, teachers are required to report situations where they believe a young person is at risk of harm.

Sometimes a student doesn't come to you for help, but they may be behaving in ways that make you worried about them. How do you know when to intervene? There are some warning signs that you can look out for. These types of behaviours can be common in students, and they are not always a sign that someone has serious mental health concerns or needs professional help.

However, if you know a student with some of these signs lasting more than a couple of weeks, if they are highly distressed, or if they are talking about suicide or behaving in ways which place them at risk, they may need some outside help. Referring these students to the help they need is an important part of helping students with their mental health.

Signs to look out for include:

  • constantly thinking or talking about their problem/s

  • acting and being very out of character (for example, a quiet person becoming loud and wild or an outgoing person becoming really quiet)

  • unexpected outbursts of emotion

  • having problems with sleep - sleeping too much or not enough

  • changes to eating habits - not eating at all, or eating and then throwing up

  • using drugs or alcohol

  • taking part in unsafe or daring situations like speeding around in cars and having unprotected sex

  • avoiding friends and social events that they would normally be part of

  • threats or talk of killing themselves

  • acting or talking like no one cares about them; nobody would notice if they went away, or the world would be a better place without them.

What can I do now?

  • If you do have concerns for the welfare of a student then don't be afraid to raise your concerns with them. They will often feel a sense of relief that someone has noticed and cares enough to ask how they are going.

  • If your concerns are confirmed, then it is important to inform the appropriate staff within the school to ensure that the student receives the help and support they need to stay safe. Each school will have policies that identify the processes for notifying a concern about risk of harm to a student.

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        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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