Scenario
Mental Health: How Instructors Can Support Students In and Out of the Classroom
Imagine…
As an introduction to each class an instructor has everyone submit to the anonymous discussion board that allows students to say how they are feeling each week. It is the middle of the semester and the pace and difficulty of the material is picking up. The instructor has noted a steady decline in positive responses over the past couple classes and the energy levels are low in discussion and participation. Several students, all having varying identities, have reached out to the instructor to express that their mental health status has decreased, some specifying higher stress and others having lower mood and signs of anxiety, and are unsure what next steps to take in and outside of the classroom. You recall from orientation that it is not the role of the instructor to carry out hands on solutions, but it is still within the power of the position to be able to provide adequate resources, support, understanding, and guidance toward others who are able to provide the correct help.