10 Ways to Support Students’ Mental Health in the Classroom

In education, we often emphasise grades, exams, and achievements, but how often do we pause to consider the unseen challenges students face every day? Mental health is fundamental to a student’s ability to learn, grow, and succeed, yet it’s frequently overshadowed by the pressures of academics. As educators, how can we create a classroom environment that supports well-being and fosters resilience? Let’s explore this vital topic together.

What’s the current situation?

According to WHO statistics, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder globally. Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. What’s more shocking: suicide is the third leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 years old.

This is the reality: mental health isn’t just a trending topic but a critical issue that demands our attention.

Failing to address adolescent mental health has far-reaching consequences. It can impair both physical and mental health in adulthood, limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.

"Back in our day, there weren’t as many mental health problems."

Or were there? The truth is, people have always faced mental health challenges, but the strategies and coping mechanisms were different - and not necessarily better. Open conversations about mental health are essential, yet stigma still prevents many from speaking out or seeking help.

As educators, we have a unique opportunity to shape a generation - one that’s open-minded enough to talk about mental health without fear or judgement. By fostering this awareness, we’re not just addressing today’s challenges; we’re paving the way for future generations to grow up with healthier attitudes toward mental well-being. Hopefully, this will lead to a world with fewer tragedies like suicide.

How can teachers take action?

Creating a mentally supportive classroom doesn’t require an overhaul - it’s about small, consistent practices that promote mental health while making students feel valued and understood. Here are 10 practical strategies you can start using today.

#1 Start Lessons and Tests with Relaxation Activities

Relaxation techniques can help students reset and approach challenges with a calm mind. They reduce anxiety, improve focus, and send a clear message that their mental well-being matters more than results. This practice is especially valuable before tests or at the end of a busy school day.

How to implement:

• Begin tests or challenging lessons with a two-minute guided breathing exercise.
• Use stretching or mindfulness exercises at the end of the day to help students unwind.
• Reflect on the day’s successes with positive questions like, “What went well today?”

Smart Tip:

Plenty of free resources are available for practising mindfulness and meditation. Explore these to discover engaging techniques you can share with your students. For example, Mindful offers useful exercises for both teachers and students—why not try them together?

#2 Normalise Conversations About Mental Health

Open conversations about mental health break down stigmas and help students feel comfortable seeking support. It shows them that their feelings matter and that mental health is as important as physical health.

How to implement:

• Create weekly “mental health check-ins” where students can share their feelings anonymously or openly.
• Link mental health discussions to subjects like literature or biology to make them relatable.
• Regularly remind students that no grade or achievement is worth compromising their well-being.

Smart Tip:
Ask students, “How are you feeling about the upcoming exams?” and remind them, “Remember, one test doesn’t define you—it’s just a step in your learning journey.”

#3 Teach Stress and Anxiety Management Techniques

Teaching students simple tools to manage stress empowers them to handle challenges and reinforces the idea that mental health takes priority. Techniques like journaling, grounding, and time management can help students feel more in control.

How to implement:

• Introduce grounding techniques, like focusing on their surroundings: “Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch…”
• Encourage journaling as a way to process emotions and track progress.
• Teach students to break tasks into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.

Smart Tip:
Host a “stress-busting strategies” session during exam season. Teach grounding exercises and help students create personal study schedules to feel prepared without overloading.

#4 Focus on Individual Progress, Not Comparison

By emphasising personal growth, students learn to value their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others. This approach builds self-esteem and helps them focus on what truly matters—their well-being.

How to implement:

• Provide personalised feedback that highlights strengths and areas for improvement.
• Celebrate individual milestones, no matter how small, to encourage a sense of achievement.
• Normalise mistakes.

Smart Tip:
After returning tests, take a moment to meet privately with each student. Praise their effort if they succeeded, and for those who struggled, reassure them: “This happens to everyone. Let’s focus on how to improve next time.”

#5 Use Positive Reinforcement and Visuals

Positive messages around the classroom can uplift students and remind them that their worth is not tied to grades or achievements. These small reinforcements contribute to a supportive and welcoming environment.

How to implement:

• Decorate with affirmations like “Your health is your success” or “Mistakes help us grow.”
• Create a “Motivation Wall” where students can leave positive notes or achievements they are proud of.
• Recognise acts of kindness or effort with small rewards or shoutouts.

Smart Tip:
Humour can help create a trusting and enjoyable learning environment. Consider printing relatable, school-themed memes about learning to bring a light-hearted touch to your classroom. Just be sure they are inclusive and free of anything that could be offensive.

#6 Promote Healthy Habits

Healthy habits like sleep, hydration, and balanced meals are foundational to mental well-being. Encouraging students to take care of their bodies reminds them that self-care is as important as academic success.

How to implement:

• Begin class with friendly reminders like, “Who got a good night’s sleep?” “Did you drink enough water today?”
• Discuss the connection between physical health and mental clarity during lessons.
• Encourage students to balance schoolwork with rest and relaxation.

Smart Tip:
Have students create a “Healthy Habits Chart” to track sleep, hydration, and exercise for a week. Share results and discuss how small changes can improve mental and physical well-being. You can also include this chart as part of their homework assignments.

#7 Use Relevant Media to Connect

Relatable media can make mental health topics approachable and engaging. Real stories, especially from role models or influencers, can resonate deeply and inspire students to prioritise their well-being.

How to implement:

• Share inspiring TikToks, YouTube videos, or Instagram accounts about resilience and self-care.
• Use these stories to spark discussions or reflections about mental health.
• Choose content that feels authentic and avoids clichés.

Smart Tip:
Play a video of a well-known figure discussing their mental health journey. Follow it with a class discussion: “What strategies did they use? How can we apply those ideas?”

#8 Establish a Strict Anti-Bullying Policy

A classroom free of bullying is essential for students’ emotional and academic well-being. Encouraging students to take responsibility for fostering a kind and inclusive environment makes the anti-bullying message more impactful.

How to implement:

• Collaborate with students to create an anti-bullying charter and involve them in setting classroom rules for respectful behaviour.
• Share relatable, real-world examples of bullying (e.g., from news stories or personal anecdotes) to start discussions about its impact.
• Create an anonymous reporting system, like a “concern box,” where students can share issues discreetly.

Smart Tip:

Instead of idealised solutions, encourage students to reflect on everyday situations. For example, ask, “If you saw someone being teased but weren’t sure how to step in, what could you do without making the situation worse?” Brainstorm realistic responses together, like quietly checking on the victim afterward or alerting an adult.

#9 Encourage Mental Health Awareness Projects

Group projects focused on mental health awareness help students understand its importance and build a supportive community within the school.

How to implement:

• Assign projects where students research mental health topics and present them creatively.
• Organise school-wide awareness events, such as workshops or art displays.
• Partner with mental health professionals to give talks or run activities.

Smart Tip:
Organise a “Self-Care Week” where students create posters, host peer-led workshops, and learn relaxation techniques in a fun, engaging way.

#10 Share Real-Life Stories

Sharing authentic stories about mental health can help students see that it’s okay to prioritise well-being over external pressures. Relatable examples inspire resilience and self-care.

How to implement:

• Use interviews or documentaries featuring public figures who openly discuss their mental health.
• Relate these stories to school challenges like exams or peer pressure.
• Encourage students to reflect on how these lessons apply to their lives.

Smart Tip:

If you feel comfortable, you can share your own experiences of overcoming challenges. Personal stories often have a powerful impact and help others feel less alone.

Conclusion

Mental health is a cornerstone of a student’s ability to learn and thrive. While exams and achievements hold importance, the well-being of your students must always come first. By implementing these strategies, you’re not just addressing today’s challenges: you’re helping to shape a healthier generation. Let’s create classrooms where mental health is as valued as academic success!

Sources:

World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. (2022). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338

World Health Organization: WHO. (2024, October 10). Mental health of adolescents. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

Rössler, W. (2016). The stigma of mental disorders. EMBO Reports, 17(9), 1250–1253. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5007563/

Mindful. (2024). Mindful. https://www.mindful.org/