You’ve likely seen it—a once cheerful student suddenly quiet. A top performer slipping. A usually calm child now lashing out. It’s easy to chalk it up to a bad day, but sometimes it’s more. And in many cases, you might be the only adult noticing.

With over 50% of mental health conditions beginning before age 14, early recognition is critical. Yet, teachers aren’t trained therapists—and that’s okay. You don’t need a degree to make a difference. What you need is awareness, empathy, and small, consistent actions.

How Can You Help? Start Here:

• Notice the signs: academic decline, behavior shifts, withdrawal.

• Create emotional check-ins: ask “How are you feeling today?” daily.

• Incorporate calming practices: breathing exercises, quiet time.

• Build emotional safety: respond with care, not punishment.

• Talk to students one-on-one: even small gestures show you care.

• Use school & community resources: and advocate if they’re missing.

• Include parents and caregivers in the conversation, where possible.

• Foster peer support: create buddy systems or inclusive roles.

• Normalize mental health talk: in books, activities, and discussion.

• Don’t try to fix—just be present: listen without needing to solve.

You’re not expected to solve everything. But your presence—your willingness to notice and care—can change a student’s life.

???? Support school mental health programs with a donation. From emotional toolkits to art therapy, even small contributions make a big impact.
???? Want to see how digital tools help amplify this mission? Read: The Power of NGO Websites: Examples and Key Elements.

https://unessafoundation.org/mental-health-issues-in-school/