Student mental health is becoming increasingly pressing for many parents and school districts, given growing concerns about students’ emotional well-being. For instance, one study found that 39% of Ontario high school students reported a moderate-to-severe level of psychological distress, including signs of depression and anxiety [1]. Additionally, parents and educators continue to wonder about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ emotional wellness and learning. Supporting a student with mental health challenges can be overwhelming, especially when it impacts their learning, academic performance, and school experience. As a parent, you play a crucial role in bridging the gap between your child’s needs and their educational environment. This article provides practical strategies for parents to collaborate effectively with schools, ensuring their child receives the necessary support to thrive academically and emotionally.
How does mental health impact students’ learning and academic performance?
Student’s emotional health plays a critical role in their ability to learn and perform academically. Struggles with mental health issues can affect various aspects of their school experience — from concentration and memory to behaviour and social interactions. Understanding these impacts and promoting good mental health can help parents and school staff better support students facing these challenges.
Concentration and Focus
Struggles with anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) can significantly impair a student’s ability to concentrate, negatively impacting their academic achievement. Anxiety can cause excessive worry and intrusive thoughts, making it difficult for students to focus on lessons or complete assignments. Depression can lead to low energy and motivation, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Students with ADHD may struggle to focus, maintain their attention on tasks, or become easily distracted — making it harder to learn.
Memory and Retention
Stress and anxiety can also affect a student’s working memory, which is critical for learning new information and recalling previously learned material. Problems with working memory and retention can also lead to difficulties in following instructions, understanding new concepts, and performing well on tests and quizzes.
Behaviour and Classroom Participation
Mental health struggles can manifest in behavioural issues, such as increased irritability, restlessness, or withdrawal, especially during adolescence. These behaviours can lead to disciplinary actions or misunderstandings with teachers and peers. For instance, a teacher may mistake disruptive behaviours by a student with anxiety as defiance instead of reactions driven by fears, anxiety, or stress. Additionally, students may find it hard to participate in group activities or discussions, further isolating them from the learning process.
Attendance and Punctuality
Students dealing with severe anxiety or depression may have frequent absences or arrive late to school. School refusal can become a significant issue, where the emotional burden of attending school becomes too great. Regular absences lead to gaps in learning, making it harder for students to keep up with their peers.
Social Interactions
Healthy social interactions are essential for a positive school experience. Mental health issues can affect a student’s ability to form and maintain friendships. Anxiety and depression can make social situations daunting, leading to isolation and loneliness. This lack of social support can further exacerbate mental health issues and negatively impact academic performance.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Students with mental health challenges often struggle with low self-esteem and confidence. Negative self-perceptions can hinder their willingness to engage in academic activities and take on new challenges. As a result, students can become trapped in a cycle of avoidance and underachievement, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy.
Physical Health and Well-being
Mental health issues can also have physical manifestations, such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue. These physical symptoms can further impede a student’s ability to concentrate, participate in class, and complete homework. Poor physical health can exacerbate mental health struggles, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
5 Ways parents can work with their student’s school
Collaboration between parents and schools is vital to ensure that children with mental health challenges receive the support they need to succeed academically and emotionally. Even small changes can make a difference, providing positive reinforcement and a better experience at school. Here are five ways parents can work with their student’s school to enhance their student’s educational experience and promote positive mental health and well-being.
1. Find out what resources your child’s school offers
Schools often have various resources available to support students with mental health challenges, including early intervention strategies and health promotion initiatives. These may include school counselors, special education services, individualized program plans, adaptations, modified days. You can contact your child’s school to learn about these resources without discussing your student’s specific situation.
2. Talk with your child or teen first before sharing with the school
Before approaching the school, have a conversation with your child or teen about their feelings and experiences. This ensures that their perspective is considered and helps them feel involved in the process. Understanding their concerns can also guide your discussions with school personnel and help empower your student.
3. Have a conversation with your child’s teacher
Set up a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss their needs and challenges. Share relevant information about your child’s mental health and how it affects their learning. Collaborate on strategies to support your child in the classroom and ensure consistent communication between home and school. These conversations can help you better understand your child’s behaviour at school and increase the teacher’s empathy and understanding of your child.
4. Keep open lines of communication
Maintain regular contact with your child’s teachers, school counselors, and other relevant staff. This ongoing dialogue helps monitor your child’s progress, address any emerging issues, and adjust support strategies as needed. Open communication fosters a team approach to your child’s education.
5. Reinforce strategies at home
Consistency is key in supporting your child’s mental health. Reinforce the strategies and routines established at school within the home environment. This might include setting up a structured daily routine, using the same behavioral techniques, and encouraging positive coping mechanisms. This reinforcement can help your student develop healthy habits that support their emotional and educational needs.
What if my child or teen’s struggles are making it hard for them to attend school?
Sometimes, a child or teen’s mental health can significantly impact their learning. These struggles go beyond a student asking for an occasional break from school. Some students may struggle to make it through the school day, adequately attend during classes, or even refuse to go to school. In these situations, the students aren’t being intentionally defiant. These reactions are often due to emotional struggles, such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, or depression — making it hard for them to cope at school. Parents can help by assisting their student in understanding the underlying causes of the behaviours and feelings and helping them take proactive steps to address the issues.
Your child can work through the challenges with a plan tailored to their needs
It’s hard when your child is struggling to attend school or stay in classes. However, the right support and plan can help your child work through the issues preventing them from actively attending or participating at school. If your child or teen is facing severe struggles that are making it hard for them to learn, consider:
- Talking to your child’s school so they understand what is happening
- Seeking a referral for mental health services, like a child psychologist, to help you and your child develop a plan to help them work through the emotional challenges so they can attend school
- Working with the specialist and your child’s school to develop a plan on how to handle when your child refuses to attend
Your child can make progress, but it will take patience and time. At North Shore Psychological Services, our child and teen specialists are experienced in working with issues of school refusal and providing counselling for anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles. We work with you, your child or teen, and the school to establish an effective plan to get them attending and thriving at school. Plans are tailored to your student’s specific needs, but may include strategies like:
- Modifications during the school day
- Setting up a routine and structure that helps your student feel more able to attend school
- Helping establish healthy sleep habits for students struggling with sleep disturbance
Sources
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics. https://www.camh.ca/en/driving-change/the-crisis-is-real/mental-health-statistics (Accessed June 2024)
