Page 30 - CARING and SAFE SCHOOLS in ONTARIO

FIGURE 7. MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS: INDICATORS AND STRATEGIES
What are mental health problems? What is mental illness?
Mental health problems
Mental and emotional dysfunctions that affect a person’s ability to enjoy life and deal with everyday challenges such as making choices and decisions, adapting to and coping in difficult situations, or talking about one’s
needs and desires. Mental health problems range from serious mental illnesses (see below) to more common, everyday struggles and problems, often arising in response to stress, that most people experience from time to time.
Mental illness
The term describes a variety of psychiatric and emotional problems that vary in intensity and duration, and may recur from time to time, including mood, psychotic, and anxiety disorders. It refers to a diagnosable condition that usually requires medical treatment.
What are some “look-fors” in students?
• Problems concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
• Missed deadlines, delays in completing assignments, poor quality work, poor exam grades
• Low morale
• Disorganization in completing school work
• Frequent complaints or evidence of fatigue or
unexplained pains
• Decreased interest or involvement in class
topics or academic endeavours in general
• Frequent absences or consistent late arrivals
Source: Adapted from Canadian Mental Health Association (n.d.).
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What are some common signs of mental illness?
• Marked changes in personality
• Confused thinking
• Inability to cope with problems and daily
activities
• Strange ideas or delusions
• Excessive fears, worries, and anxiety
• Prolonged feelings of irritability or sadness • Significant changes in eating or sleeping
patterns
• Suicidal thoughts or remarks
• Extreme highs and lows in mood • Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Excessive anger or hostility
• Paranoid behaviour
• Social withdrawal
• Irrational fears
Mental Health Problems
What are some strategies you can use in your practice?
• Take steps to be informed about mental illness. • Be supportive and understanding.
• Take the time to listen to the students, build
trust, and understand their needs.
• Initiate discussions with parents to learn more
about students’ circumstances and needs.
• Work with students and parents to determine
appropriate accommodations.
• Encourage peer support and friendships. • Encourage practices that support wellness
and a balanced life.