3 Common Challenges
Recognizing when someone is struggling isn’t always straightforward, but applying a structured framework to your observations can be immensely helpful.
Consider human functioning across three primary domains: feelings, thoughts, and actions. Mental health issues often manifest within these areas:
- Emotional challenges: anxiety, depression, mania.
- Cognitive difficulties: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), issues with concentration, memory problems, psychosis.
- Behavioral concerns: OCD, substance abuse, eating disorders, suicidal behaviors.
It’s important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive—similar to experiencing both pain and fever simultaneously. Organizing information in this manner simplifies understanding and articulating concerns.
Be alert to issues in the domains of emotions, thoughts, or behaviors exhibiting the following characteristics, as they may signal the need for professional intervention:
- Excessive intensity
- Prolonged duration
- Significant disruption to daily life
- Deteriorating condition
- Recurrent patterns
- Potential danger to oneself or others
Or, trust your intuition if something seems amiss.
Monitoring for alterations in standard functional areas can be a reliable indicator of underlying issues. Notable changes might include:
- Appearance
- Mood
- Speech patterns
- Behavior
- Social relationships
- Academic performance
Remember, you don’t need to be a professional to recognize these signs—trusting your observations is key.
For educators, a noticeable dip in a student’s academic performance, especially from a consistently higher achiever, often hints at underlying emotional, psychosocial, or mental health issues, rather than a sudden loss of ability. It’s crucial to explore what might be affecting them beyond the classroom.
The forthcoming chapter will guide you on addressing these concerns directly with students, ensuring they receive the support they need.