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How Teachers Can Aid Students in Mental Health Problems That Lead to Gambling

Teachers have one of the more unique relationships with their students. Spending hours with children often shows a lot about their personalities, habits, and behaviors, which is almost always a good thing. But occasionally, teachers are exposed to students who display signs of mental health conditions that could eventually lead to problem gambling and other serious situations. 

But teachers don’t have to sit on the sidelines. There are ways they can aid their students, and it all starts with awareness and the right messaging. So whether you’re leading a classroom or a parent with a child you leave in the care of a teacher, there are plenty of ways to recognize and aid students dealing with mental health conditions that lead to problem gambling. 

Mental Health Conditions Students Face That Can Lead to Problem Gambling

Mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of problem gambling, as they often co-occur. Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders associated with gambling problems. In addition, students may also display signs of bipolar disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thankfully, these conditions have effective treatment methods that medical professionals can help children discover. But getting that point involves awareness, and many teachers are their students’ first line of defense. 

A Teacher’s Impact on Student’s Mental Health

With such a long time spent with students, teachers are in a position to significantly impact students’ mental health. Being in the right state of mind directly correlates with academic performance, and students won’t be receptive to learning methods without being comfortable with what’s going on in their heads. Of course, as a teacher, you’re not expected to have all the answers, but there are ways to help your student’s mental health and prevent problem gambling and other things that inhibit performance. 

Keep an eye out for signs of mental health disorders and things that lead to uncomfortable learning environments. Teachers are also often the way students become aware of the resources and information available within the school. With this awareness and knowledge, you can cultivate a classroom culture that accepts all students and understands behaviors, thoughts, and actions. This can help the scholars feel more comfortable expressing themselves and avoid activities that develop bad habits. 

How Teachers Can Display the Right Messaging

Whether you’re teaching math or helping students who turn to you for help, displaying the right messaging is extremely important. Your students look up to you for guidance and support, and it’ll only be effective if you help them feel comfortable along the way. Here are the important key messages to display to children facing these mental health problems:

  • Show you care by giving them time and attention – Often, students want to know that someone out there cares about how they feel. Giving them that consideration and attention can help them avoid problematic behaviors and poor habits.
  • Have a listening ear – Before you react, speak, or make any decision, listen carefully to everything your students have to say,
  • Be nonjudgmental, calm, and accepting – Students may not be willing to speak as much initially about what they say due to fear of judgment, so make sure they know they’re doing the right thing due to the caring and accepting environment you create. 
  • Know when to get the right help – Teachers aren’t mental health professionals. Don’t try to solve problems on your own. Turn to a professional when situations demand it.

Help Your Students Avoid Serious Mental Health Problems

Students spend most of their day with their teachers, and this experience plays a significant role in the development of each child. Therefore, teachers need to be aware of the impacts on their student’s mental health and how they can help prevent problem gambling and other significant conditions. Take advantage of important gambling information and resources from 800-GAMBLER. This knowledge can keep you aware of behaviors, actions, and words children may use that indicate a serious situation. 

With webinars, blogs, podcasts, and so much more, we have enough tools to help empower teachers and anyone else concerned about problem gambling with someone they know. When in doubt, you can always call 1-800-GAMBLER and get students or other loved ones the support they need to effectively erase poor gambling habits. 

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