Normalizing help-seeking behaviors is an important role that instructors have in supporting the mental health and well-being of students. Certain times during the semester can be difficult, especially during midterms and the period leading up to finals. Encouraging help-seeking behaviors among students and promoting the discussion of mental health in academic environments throughout the semester will help create a culture that destigmatizes mental illness and encourages help-seeking. In institutions for higher education, an academic environment that actively promotes mental health will help foster student health and well-being both inside the classroom and out
By acknowledging mental health openly throughout the semester, instructors can de-stigmatize help-seeking behaviors throughout the semester. This is particularly important during stressful times in the semester (e..g, midterms, finals, 9-week drop deadline, holidays, or in the face of significant campus, local, or global events).
For example, instructors can make a brief announcement at the beginning of class, stating:
“We are approaching midterms, which can be a stressful time. Please make sure you take care of yourself and know that we have mental health and wellness resources available on campus.”
Additional types of messages that can promote help-seeking include email messages to students, the use of syllabi statements, announcements on Canvas/discussion post or PowerPoint slide(s) shown before class that shares campus resources.