Care for youth's mental health just as you do for their physical health

Pay attention to warning signs, and if you're concerned there might be a problem, seek professional help

Let youth know that everyone experiences pain, fear, sadness, worry, and anger and that these emotions are a normal part of life. Encourage them to talk about their concerns and to express their emotions

Be a role model—talk about your own feelings, apologize, don't express anger with violence, and use active problem-solving skills

Encourage their talents and skills while also accepting their limitations

Celebrate their accomplishments

Give youth opportunities to learn and grow, including being involved in school and community and with other caring adults and friends

Think of “discipline” as a form of teaching, rather than as physical punishment; set clear expectations and be consistent and fair with consequences for misbehavior; make sure to acknowledge both positive and negative behaviors

Think about mental health as an important component of a child being “ready to learn”; if a child is experiencing mental health problems, he or she will likely have trouble focusing in school

Know the warning signs of mental illness: Take note of these in your students and seek consultation from the school mental health professional when you have concerns; psychological and/or educational testing may be necessary

Use the mental health professional(s) at your school as resources for preventive interventions with students, including social skills training; education for teachers and students on mental health; crisis counseling for teachers and students following a traumatic event; and classroom management skills training for teachers

Allow your students to discuss troubling events at school or in the community; encourage students to verbally describe their emotions

Source: YouthandFamilies.org