Be
observant
As a teacher, you are in a key role to observe students. You,
perhaps more than parents, can assess what is typical or "normal"
adolescent behavior and what is out of the norm, because you
interact with hundreds of students every day.
When you observe atypical behaviors - from acting out to withdrawing,
destructive or aggressive acts toward themselves or others,
or a fixation with death or morbid themes - take note and take
action. Consult with your school counselor, principal,
or other professional within the school to ensure appropriate
and quick assessment and treatment.
Reach
out
It takes
time and courage to reach out to your students on a personal
level. But your interest can mean the world to a child in crisis.
Youth - especially troubled or mentally ill youth - need a caring
and compassionate community to support them. And school is a
vital part of that community.
Encourage a troubled student to open up about what is going
on in their lives. Look beyond their questionable behavior or
decision making to try to identify the root cause. While it
is easy to label some children as manipulative or unmotivated,
it is more of a challenge to consider why they are
this way. Perhaps the cause is mental illness.
Be
open-minded
It is tough
for adults to accept that adolescents can have clinical depression
or thoughts about suicide. And that depression is a true mental
illness, more than just the "diagnosis of the day"
among our stressed-out society.
Even more so, it is horrific to consider that a youngster could
attempt to take their life. Your first reaction may be shock
or denial. Yet over 3,500 teens will complete suicide this year.
And it is estimated that a majority of these young people have
depression or another mental illness, whether diagnosed or not
(Reference 5).
Be
persistent
Your student may feel
threatened or violated by your observations if they become upset
or deny they are having problems. Be persistent and make
sure that the student gets that services that they may need.
Connect
with parents or guardians
If a troubled
student opens up to you, contact their parents or legal guardian.
Do not promise confidentiality to a child when it comes to issues
regarding their safety and well being. Remember that mental
illness can impact a student's decision making skills and choices.
But always talk privately with a student before letting others
know about the student and your concerns. Otherwise you risk
the student's trust if you talk about them without their knowledge.
Tap
support systems
School
districts typically have crisis policies for working with
a suicidal or violent student. Many youngsters who are not
in this acute state of crisis still need support to stay in
school and stay healthy. Your school may have policies and
programs that address at-risk students. Be sure to use them.
Additionally,
do not be afraid to call your school psychologist, social
worker or nurse if a child's mental health is in question.
Do not assume your health care staff or administration will
do this. Take the initiative yourself. You can also help connect
a student and their family members with local mental health
resources. Call your local mental health association for more
information.
Be respectful of the sensitivity of the information shared
regarding a troubled student, however, do not be afraid to
connect with other teachers or staff to "compare notes"
on a student to better assess what may be going on or to determine
if a student's behaviors are consistent across settings. Remember
that a picture is complete only when all pieces of a puzzle
are in place.
Ask
the tough question
Have
the courage to ask a student if they have ever thought that
life is not worth living or if they have ever thought that
they would be better off dead. Countless research studies
have shown time and again that asking someone if they have
contemplated self-harm or suicide will NOT place
the idea in their head and make them act on it. On the contrary,
studies have shown that a person in mental distress is most
often relieved that someone cared enough to inquire. Your
concern can counter their sense of hopelessness.
You are very likely wondering, "What if they say yes,
then what do I say or do?" Any talk about wanting to
die or attempting suicide should be a red flag to teachers
and parents alike. Follow school policy. Contact your counseling
office immediately.
Also,
it is important that you do not judge the student, nor attempt
to minimize or try to "fix" their situation. Here
are suggestions on what to say to someone who thinks that
life may not be worth living.
“I can hear that
things feel very overwhelming right now, and I am going
to stay with you and find some help”
“I understand that
you are feeling very troubled, and I am going to help you
find someone who can help”
“Thank you for being
honest about your feelings, I am going to stay with you
and find someone who can help”
Be
patient
A
child who is grappling with stress or mental illness requires
patience on the part of adults. All children need compassion
and understanding, but if a diagnosis of mental illness is
also involved, they will require extra understanding as they
work their way through diagnosis, medication and reoccurring
bouts of the illness. Your flexibility and assistance with
missed assignments, classroom participation, and keeping a
facilitative classroom environment can do much to keep them
hopeful and moving in the right direction.
Teachers have the opportunity
to make a difference in students' lives by proactively attending
to cues and messages, getting help, and ensuring appropriate
treatment. Teachers can help to prevent suicide.
