3rd February 2026

Children’s mental health week 2026: signs a student may be struggling

With children’s mental health week taking place from 9-15 February, now is the perfect time to focus on how we support the emotional wellbeing of children and young people in our schools and communities.

This annual awareness week, led by UK children’s mental health charity Place2Be, helps spark important conversations, encourages connection, and highlights how feeling safe, understood and included can make a real difference to a child’s mental health.

The official theme for 2026 is “This is My Place”, focusing on the vital role that belonging plays in shaping wellbeing, whether at school, in friendships, in families, or in the wider community.

While we should champion children’s emotional wellbeing all year round, this week provides a special opportunity to start conversations, notice small changes, and help students feel comfortable speaking about how they feel, skills that will benefit them long after the week is over.

Below are some signs to look out for that might indicate a student is struggling with their mental health.

Change in personality

If one of your students starts acting like a completely different person, it may suggest poor mental health. Lack of interest, nervousness and mood swings are common signs of this. Anything uncharacteristic of the individual like being anxious, moody or angry could mean there has been a change in their mental well-being.

Change in behaviour

If a student who is usually punctual and hands in work to a good standard starts to arrive late and give in work below expectation, they could be struggling mentally. A lack of effort and change in behaviour can show that their mental health has been affected. If they suddenly struggle to concentrate, find it difficult to do tasks they could once do easily and keep forgetting information that they should be retaining, they are likely suffering from mental health issues.

Social isolation

If you notice that one of your students is socially isolating or withdrawing from their friendship groups, this could be a change in their mental health. If they appear disconnected in classes and social time or they’re spending lots of time alone, they may be struggling.

Appearance changes

It’s really important to keep an eye on changes to the appearance of your students. If a student has changed the type of clothes they are wearing (for example covering skin on their arms or wearing a hoodie on a sunny day), this could be an indication of self-harm or harm from another individual. Other examples may include changes in weight or appetite, as well as students falling asleep in class (tiredness) or being unable to concentrate.

Understanding the reasons

Why is the student feeling this way?

Try to understand why the individual is feeling this way or acting the way they are, what the reasons for their emotions and actions are and see if you can help them. Asking them can be a way forward, but if they don’t want to speak about their issues, don’t force them. No matter what, offer your support.

How can I help the student feel better?

Allow the student time and space if necessary. Maybe allow them to sit with a friend or ask if there’s someone they’d prefer to be paired with. Offer them counselling or extra support to help them relieve stress and get back to feeling like themselves again.

What if they continue to feel down?

Inform a higher and more educated colleague about emotional well-being and mental health support to get them the help they need. Try to identify if the issues are because of home life or because of a relative and then notify a member of their family if possible.

These changes can be difficult to deal with and even harder to cope with. Remember to continue to offer your support and help to your students as long as they need it. If you are suffering from mental health issues of your own, get support and seek help. Here are some useful references:

NHS Mental Health services

Mind Mental Health support

Mental Health Foundation assistance

Samaritans 24/7 support – 116 123

Fancy upskilling in mental health for educators? When you work with us, you get free access to Creative Education’s CPD portal, which includes topics such as:

10 ideas to make School Feel Safe for Children Struggling to attend
Mental Health: Practical Strategies for Supporting a Colleague Who is Struggling

Interested in these courses and think they will benefit you? Register your interest with us today!