Discussing mental health issues in the classroom can be difficult - and it is not always easy to spot students who are suffering.

Avoid showing your class graphic images of self-harm or eating disorders, as these can be a trigger for young people who already have problems in these areas.

Likewise, do not reveal too much detail about methods of suicide.

Keep the conversation as open and as honest as possible and try to address common myths. This helps to tackle the stigma attached to mental health issues.

Gather details of helplines, leaflets or websites in case students request more information or advice.

Encourage your students to be supportive, non-judgemental, listening friends. But make sure that they understand the importance of sharing their concerns with a trusted adult so that appropriate support can be accessed.

For more information go to: bit.lymentalhealthsupport

FURTHER RESOURCES

Analyse John Keats’ poem To Autumn using johncallaghan’s resource. bit.lyks3keats

Dispel myths about mental illness and identify symptoms with lewishan78‘s lesson pack. bit.lymentalillnessmyths

This NSPCC video explains why it is important to talk about your worries. bit.lyanxietynspcc

Introduce your class to the basics of news writing in TESEnglish’s activity. bit.lyNewsReportWriting

EmmyCD’s lesson considers how news stories are reported and why some are given more prominence than others. bit.lyNewsValues.