Navigating the Intersection of Mental Health and Social Justice in Education: Key Insights for Educators
published January 7, 2025
Photo by Nicholas Swatz at Pexels
by Dr. Marian Muldrow, liveanotherday.org
Social justice is about ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and fair treatment in society. Mental health and social justice are closely linked, especially in education. Schools play a key role in shaping students' well-being and future opportunities.
Many schools are working to address these issues by adding mental health services and teaching about social justice. This helps students cope with stress and builds a more caring school community.
Social Justice:
Building a Fair and Equal Society for All
Social justice aims to remove barriers to equal opportunities. For example:
If a building only has stairs, adding a ramp does not give wheelchair users an advantage—it gives them the same access everyone else already has.
When schools provide free lunch programs, they do not give poor students special treatment—they ensure that all students can focus on learning without hunger as a barrier.
When workplaces provide language interpretation services, they do not favor non-English speakers—they enable all qualified people to contribute their skills equally.
Social justice works to identify and correct systemic barriers that prevent equal participation in society. These barriers include:
Limited access to quality education
Discrimination in housing or employment
Lack of accessible healthcare
Economic inequalities
Language barriers
Physical accessibility issues
The goal is to create a society where everyone has a fair chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts, not their background or circumstances. This benefits everyone by:
Creating a more productive society
Reducing poverty and its associated costs
Increasing innovation through diverse perspectives
Building stronger communities
Promoting social stability
Systemic Oppression and Mental Health
Systemic oppression and mental health are closely linked. People who face discrimination often have higher rates of mental health issues.
Oppression based on race, sexual orientation, and other identities predicts poor mental health. This can lead to depression, anxiety, and other problems.
Discrimination causes:
Low self-esteem
Feelings of helplessness
Chronic stress
Trauma
These factors increase the risk of mental health disorders.
Inequality in access to resources also impacts mental wellness. Limited access to education, jobs, housing, and healthcare creates additional stress.
In addition, communities facing systemic oppression often lack mental health services. This makes it harder to get help when needed.
Oppression can cause generational trauma, affecting family mental health.
Social justice is crucial for public mental health interventions. Efforts to reduce discrimination and increase access to resources, including individual and community-level interventions, can positively impact mental wellness.
Mental Health Disparities in Educational Settings
All students face mental health issues; some groups face greater challenges.
Social and economic factors play a significant role. Students from low-income families often have less access to mental health care. This can worsen their problems.
Race and ethnicity also matter. Students of color may face discrimination that hurts their mental health. They might not get the same quality of care as other students.
LGBTQ+ youth face unique stressors. Bullying and lack of support can lead to anxiety and depression.
Students with disabilities often lack proper support due to resource constraints.
Social risks like adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) make a difference, too. Kids who face trauma at home are more likely to have mental health and academic problems.
What Schools Can Do
Train teachers to spot mental health issues:
Changes in academic performance (sudden grade drops, incomplete assignments)
Behavioral changes (withdrawal from activities, excessive tiredness, aggression)
Physical signs (frequent headaches, unexplained weight changes, lack of personal hygiene)
Social changes (isolation from friends, avoiding participation, sudden change in friend groups)
Emotional indicators (unusual irritability, excessive worry, difficulty concentrating)
Writing or art that expresses hopelessness, depression, or self-harm
Irregular attendance or frequent tardiness
Offer counseling services to all students:
Individual and group options
Crisis intervention
Prevention programs
Family support services
Create safe spaces for at-risk groups:
A designated physical location (room, office, or area) that’s:
Easily accessible but offers privacy
Clearly marked and welcoming
Supervised by trained staff
Free from judgment or discrimination
Established ground rules for respect and confidentiality
Available resources and information
Regular hours of operation
Inclusive decorations and materials
Cultural sensitivity and representation
Partner with community health providers:
Provide additional resources
Offer specialized services
Support transition of care
Help with emergency responses
Use fair screening practices to identify students who need help
Universal screening tools that:
Are age-appropriate
Culturally sensitive
Available in multiple languages
Evidence-based and validated
Consistent application across all student groups
Parent/guardian involvement and consent
Clear communication about:
Purpose of screening
Privacy protection
How results will be used
Available support options
Regular review and updates of screening methods
Multiple data points (not just one assessment)
Professional interpretation of results
Clear referral protocols
Follow-up procedures
Strategies for Promoting Mental Wellness and Social Justice in Education
Schools can use several approaches to support both mental health and social justice.
One key strategy is creating inclusive learning environments. This means making sure all students feel welcome and respected.
Teachers can use culturally responsive teaching methods. These techniques honor diverse backgrounds and experiences in the classroom.
Another important step is providing mental health resources.
Schools should offer counseling services and teach coping skills to students.
Implementing anti-bias training for staff helps reduce discrimination. This creates a fairer environment for all students to learn and grow.
Schools can also promote student activism on social issues. This empowers youth to make positive changes in their communities.
Using a trauma-informed approach is crucial. Many students face difficulties outside school that impact their well-being and learning.
Partnering with families and community organizations strengthens support networks. This gives students more resources to draw upon.
Integrating social-emotional learning into daily lessons builds important life skills. These skills help students manage stress and relate to others.
Do’s and Don’ts for Educators
Think of teachers as "spotters" who help identify students who might need support, similar to a lifeguard who notices someone struggling and alerts trained emergency responders. Teachers should be caring and supportive while ensuring students get connected with qualified professionals who can provide appropriate help.
Do’s for Educators
Observe and document concerning behaviors
Listen compassionately if a student reaches out
Know your school's referral process
Share observations with school counselors/mental health professionals
Learn about available school and community resources
Maintain professional boundaries
Create a supportive classroom environment
Follow mandatory reporting requirements
Communicate concerns to the appropriate staff/administration
Participate in mental health awareness training
Don't's for Educators
Don’t attempt to diagnose students
Don’t provide therapy or counseling
Don’t promise to keep secrets about safety concerns
Don’t take on the role of personal counselor
Don’t give medical or mental health advice
Don’t try to solve complex mental health issues
Don’t conduct therapeutic interventions
Don’t share confidential information inappropriately
Don’t take on more than your professional role allows
Appropriate Steps for Teachers
Notice concerns
Document observations
Report to the appropriate school staff
Follow established protocols
Maintain professional boundaries
Support referral processes
Remember: The goal is to be a supportive bridge to professional help, not a substitute for it.
Navigating Professional Challenges
Professional Protection Strategies:
Document everything in writing
Follow school policies exactly
Keep detailed records of:
All parent communications
Student interactions
Administrative discussions
Concerns raised
Actions taken
Maintain professional email trails
Use school-approved communication channels only
Best Practices for Supporting All Students:
Focus on student safety and well-being within the educational context
Use inclusive, professional language
Apply policies consistently for all students
Keep discussions age-appropriate and curriculum-relevant
Direct personal and identity questions to school counselors
Maintain transparent communication with the administration
Know and follow district policies
When Facing Accusations or Challenges:
Document the specific situation immediately
Contact union representation if applicable
Notify the administration through the proper channels
Stick to factual, professional communication
Keep copies of all relevant materials
Follow legal and district guidance
Maintain professional boundaries
Protective Professional Approaches:
Frame support in terms of student safety and academic success
Use educational rather than political language
Focus on bullying prevention and respect for all
Reference school policies and legal requirements
Keep classroom discussions curriculum-focused
Direct non-academic concerns to the appropriate staff
Maintain clear professional boundaries
Key Protective Measures:
Never meet with students alone
Keep classroom doors open
Use school communication systems only
Document all unusual interactions
Report concerns through proper channels
Maintain professional distance
Follow district policies carefully
This balanced approach helps protect educators and students while ensuring all students receive appropriate support within professional boundaries.
Advice for Educators
Who Are Interested in Social Justice
Educators promoting social justice can start by examining their biases and privileges. This self-reflection helps create a foundation for understanding diverse perspectives.
Incorporating diverse voices and experiences into the curriculum is crucial. Teachers can select materials that represent various cultures, identities, and viewpoints.
Creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment allows all students to feel valued and heard.
Set expectations for respectful dialogue and promptly address discrimination.
Educators should stay informed about current social issues and their impact on students.
This knowledge helps in addressing these topics sensitively in the classroom.
Collaboration with colleagues and community members can enhance social justice efforts.
Sharing resources and strategies can lead to more effective and widespread change.
Professional development focused on social justice education is valuable.
Workshops, conferences, and courses can provide new insights and practical tools.
Encourage student activism and civic engagement.
This might include supporting student-led initiatives or incorporating service-learning projects into the curriculum.
Lastly, patience and persistence are key.
Social justice work is ongoing and often challenging, but small steps can lead to significant change over time.
Conclusion
Oppression and inequality deeply affect the mental wellness of students from marginalized groups. Promoting equity in school mental health is crucial. It ensures all students can access the support they need.
By looking at how social factors impact mental health, schools can better help every student thrive.
About the Author
Dr. Marian Muldrow, who holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Human Development along with multiple degrees in English and Media Technology, has extensive experience in corporate leadership and educational technology.
Currently serving as Director of Digital Content for liveanotherday.org and an Associate Professor of English, she has published extensively on topics including imposter syndrome and minority women in higher education, mental health, and substance abuse. Outside of work-related responsibilities, she travels with her family, embracing diverse cultural experiences across North America and beyond.
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