Educating Educators on Mental Health: A Personal Story

My Experience

My daughter battles anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Recently, she made a courageous return to school after a long absence due to her mental health. It wasn’t easy for her to walk back into that classroom, but she did it—a victory in itself.

During one of her first days back, she started to feel dizzy and quietly put her head down to steady herself. Instead of approaching her discreetly to check if she was okay, her teacher called her out—in front of the entire class.

Everyone turned to look. Laughter rippled through the room.

It was my daughter’s worst fear coming true—her anxiety playing out before her peers.

My daughter insists it wasn’t malicious, and I believe that too. But here’s the thing: the school and her teachers knew her struggles. They knew she was fighting a battle just to be there. So why call her out? Why not walk over quietly to ask if she was okay?

This moment left a mark, and it wasn’t just about my daughter. It’s a stark reminder that mental health awareness in schools isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Why Mental Health Awareness in Schools Matters

Statistics show that one in five children experience a mental health disorder each year. Anxiety disorders are among the most common, with symptoms ranging from overwhelming fear to physical manifestations like dizziness, nausea, or fainting. For these students, school can feel like an impossible mountain to climb.

Teachers are on the front lines of this battle. They play a pivotal role in shaping how students experience school, yet many lack the tools, knowledge, and training to handle mental health situations effectively.

This isn’t about blaming educators. It’s about equipping them with the resources they need to be supportive and sensitive to students struggling with mental health challenges.

How We Can Do Better

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or caregiver, we all have a role to play in creating a more supportive environment for students with mental health challenges. Here are some actionable steps:

For Educators:

1. Prioritize SensitivityApproach students quietly and discreetly when they seem unwell. Calling attention to them can exacerbate anxiety or embarrassment.

2. Learn the Basics of Mental HealthTake courses, attend workshops, or seek resources on how to support students with anxiety, depression, or panic disorders.

3. Create a Safe SpaceEstablish a classroom culture where kindness and empathy are valued. Normalize taking mental health breaks or asking for help.

4. Ask, Don’t AssumeIf a student is acting differently, ask how you can support them rather than making assumptions about their behavior.

For Parents and Caregivers:

1. Communicate ProactivelyShare your child’s needs with their school and teachers. Create a plan together for how to handle potential challenges.

2. Advocate for TrainingEncourage your child’s school to invest in mental health training for educators and staff.

3. Teach Self-AdvocacyHelp your child find their voice. Teach them how to ask for help or explain their needs in a way that feels comfortable to them.

For Students:

1. Practice Self-RegulationTeach students techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or using fidget tools to manage anxiety in the classroom.

2. Encourage Peer SupportFoster an environment where students look out for one another and offer kindness instead of judgment.

Tools and Resources

Here are some resources to help schools, educators, and parents support children with mental health challenges:

• Books:

  • Helping Your Anxious Child by Ronald Rapee

  • The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel

• Organizations:

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • Child Mind Institute

• Training for Educators:

  • Mental Health First Aid Certification

  • Online courses on EdX and Coursera

• Techniques to Teach Kids:

  • Rainbow Breathing: Raise arms as you inhale, lower them as you exhale, creating a "rainbow."

  • 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise: Focus on 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.

This experience reminded me how much work remains to ensure schools are safe and supportive spaces for all children. Moments like this can either scar or heal. Let’s work together to ensure it’s the latter.

Parents, educators, and caregivers: let’s create change. Advocate for mental health awareness in schools. Educate yourself and others. Lead with kindness and understanding.

The fight for mental health awareness is worth it—for my daughter, for your child, for every student who deserves a safe space to learn and grow.