Self-Reflection Number 1

Think about your experience with mental health concerns, biases, and stereotypes. Being
able to identify our personal biases towards mental illness or people who suffer with mental
health problems is important. Self-awareness and being in touch with your level of comfort
with this topic will help you know what your strengths and weaknesses are and where you
need to dig deeper on the topic.

I have my B.A. in Child Psychology and am aware of the stigma and issues surrounding
mental health. I know I do have some implicit biases when it comes to mental health, even
though I have struggled with it at times myself. I do acknowledge that a person’s mental
health can impede many things in their life. Understanding how a specific disorder impacts
the person will aid in success for them.

Self-Reflection Number 2

After watching the Kevin Hines story video, reflect on his thoughts he shared while on the
bus to the Golden Gate bridge. He said he felt like nobody cared. What is the significance of
relationships and your role as the teacher and leader of young people in your classroom?
How can you ensure no one leaves your space feeling like Kevin?

If a student in crisis feels like they are completely alone, the risk of them attempting and
completing suicide increases. A positive relationship between student and teacher can
increases chances of detection to offer resources to help the student. Checking in with the
students and asking about how they feel can offer a student feeling hopeless some
reprieve in feeling as though someone genuinely cares.
Self-Reflection Number 3

Reflect on the topics of mental health, suicide prevention and substance abuse. How can
school personnel make a difference in the lives of their students? What can you do as a new
teacher to support students with any type of challenge or struggle?

Having a genuine care for students’ wellbeing and showing it can make a huge difference
in a student’s life. Offering resources and being approachable, not judgmental, can make a
student feel safe enough to open up about problems and feelings they may be suffering
with. Be empathetic, pay attention and listen – these are things I can do to support a
student struggling.