Helping to meet the needs of persons with mental illness and their families in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties in Illinois

Tips for Teachers 

1. Remove feelings of blame.  Try to realize that parents may feel responsible for their child’s disorder.  It can be helpful to offer direct comments that let parents know you sympathize with their stress.

2. Acknowledge denial and anger as normal.  People in crisis usually react with initial fear and anxiety.  Assure families that anyone facing a difficult situation would react similarly.

3. Communicate empathy and compassion to parents.  An accepting attitude can make all the difference.

4. Battle stigma in the classroom by educating the entire class about mental illness.  After all, it is very likely that more than one student may experience emotional problems during childhood.

5. Promote early intervention and treatment.  The earlier a diagnosis is made the more time doctors have to find appropriate treatments. Intervening early will assure the child the best possible chances for recovery.

6. Take a child’s condition into consideration when planning academic lessons and testing.

7. Provide community resource information to interested caregivers.

8. Advocate for your students!!

9. Do not allow a child’s dream to be smothered because he or she suffers from a brain disorder.

Support and encourage the child and the family during the long road to recovery.