Supporting Student Mental Health in Your Classroom

You see it every day—students struggling with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that impact their learning. With limited time and resources, it’s easy to feel like there’s only so much you can do. But the truth is, even small moments of connection and understanding can make a lasting impact. In this article we explore the realities of student mental health, the power of teacher-student relationships, and offer practical ways you can support your students.

The Reality in Schools

If you feel like student mental health concerns have escalated in recent years, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges have increased dramatically among school-aged children. According to the CDC, persistent sadness and hopelessness among high school students reached an all-time high in 2021, with more than 40% reporting struggles with their mental health. Suicide rates among young people have also risen, underscoring the urgent need for better support systems in schools.

Unfortunately, while awareness of student mental health has improved, access to meaningful support remains limited. Teachers are often expected to recognize when students are struggling, yet there is little built into the school day to help them cope. Stephanie, a high school teacher in Pennsylvania, describes the challenge:

“There is a big emphasis on identifying students struggling with their mental health but few resources are incorporated into curriculums to teach coping skills for anxiety, anger, and depression. Working bell to bell and having classes back to back doesn’t allot time for students or staff to practice reflection, meditation, or even process the events of the day. Teachers have to be aware of signs of students in crisis, but the overburdened social services system struggles to provide timely and meaningful interventions. And often, when interventions do occur, HIPAA laws restrict what we are able to know about students who are being treated or receiving resources.”

This lack of resources is even more apparent in rural and underfunded districts, where schools struggle to hire enough counselors and mental health professionals. Allison, a guidance counselor in the Northeast, shares her experience:

“As a school counselor in a small, rural school district, the mental health needs of our students are in high demand and under-resourced. Most school counselors wear many different hats that have to address all the academic, career, and social/emotional needs of all students. With my student caseload of around 400 students and local counseling agencies understaffed with already lengthy wait lists, my greatest fear is some students aren’t able to get the attention or counseling services they need.”

As a teacher, you likely see the effects of this gap firsthand. Some students shut down, others act out, and many simply go unnoticed. The weight of knowing a student is struggling, without having the time or resources to intervene, can be overwhelming. But even in a system that often leaves you to figure it out on your own, there are ways to make a meaningful impact.

The Power of Connection

You might not have the ability to fix everything, but never underestimate the power of authentic connection. Some of the most meaningful support you can offer a student is simply making them feel seen.

Molly, a 10th-grade student, describes how certain teachers have helped her manage anxiety:

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with anxiety in school, whether it would be speaking with others or achieving to the very high standards I hold for myself. During that time, I’ve relied greatly on a select few teachers who took time out of their busy schedules to help me. If you were to ask me what they did that helped most, I would say they treated me as an equal, made an effort to understand me, and cared about me as if I was their own.”

Molly’s experience highlights something many students need—an adult who listens without judgment, who treats them with respect, and who genuinely cares. Sometimes, a simple “How are you doing?” or “I noticed you seemed off today” is enough to open the door for a student to feel safe.

Michelle, a high school English teacher, puts it this way:

“Sometimes when we get caught up in how busy we are and all the things we are expected to teach our students to accomplish, we forget that each of these humans is still a child with very basic needs. The reality is that, if a student is struggling with their mental health, for them, nothing else matters. When a student is showing signs that they are struggling with something, I always try to start with compassion, understanding, and a listening ear. I tell them they are not alone, that help is available, and ALWAYS be sure to report it to our school guidance counselor so they can follow up and provide further help.”

Ways to Support Student Mental Health

You can’t fix everything, but small actions add up. Here are a few things you can do:

Make Time for Conversations: A quick check-in before or after class can show students that you care.
Create a Calm Classroom Atmosphere: Playing soft music, allowing movement breaks, or reducing unnecessary stressors can make a big difference.
Encourage Self-Compassion: Help students set realistic expectations and model a balanced approach to work and rest.
Foster a Culture of Kindness: Let students know that their feelings are valid and that it’s okay to ask for help
Know Your Resources: Even if outside counseling options are limited, being informed about what’s available can help guide students and families in the right direction.

Mental Health Resources

If you’re looking for ways to better support your students, you don’t have to figure it out alone. There are a variety of programs, articles, and research-based resources that can help you navigate these challenges. Here are some of the most impactful ones:

The National Institute of Mental Health provides extensive research and guidance on youth mental health, including signs to watch for and treatment options. It’s a great resource for educators who want to better understand the challenges their students may be facing.
Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, trains students to recognize warning signs and connect their peers with the help they need. If your school doesn’t have a structured mental health support program, this could be a valuable initiative to explore.
The FRIENDS Program is an evidence-based initiative that helps students build resilience and develop coping skills for anxiety and depression. It’s designed for use in schools and could be an excellent addition to social-emotional learning efforts.
Mindfulness for Teachers by Patricia Jennings offers practical, research-backed strategies to help educators manage stress and create a calm, supportive classroom environment. It’s a great resource if you’re looking for ways to prevent burnout while also helping your students regulate their emotions.
Education Support is a UK-based nonprofit dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of educators. They offer free 24/7 support, professional development, and helpful resources for managing stress in the teaching profession.

These resources won’t eliminate the systemic challenges of student mental health, but they can give you tools, knowledge, and support as you navigate them.

The bottom line

You may not always have the answers, but showing your students that you care is more powerful than you realize. A small moment of understanding, an encouraging word, or simply taking the time to listen can change a student’s life.

The reality is, you’re doing more for your students than you might think. You may never know the full impact of your kindness, but to the students who need it most, it can mean everything.

You’re already making a difference. Keep going!