Supporting students with mental illness

How can TAFE staff best support students with a mental illness when most students are reluctant to disclose such information about themselves?

This is one of the questions explored in a new report by Cydde Miller and Nhi Nguyen, Who’s supporting us? TAFE staff perspectives on supporting students with mental illnesses, which took into account the views of teaching and non-teaching staff from TAFE institutes around Australia.

Non-disclosure on the part of students of their mental illness is a major issue for staff, with teachers especially concerned about students still coming to terms with their illness. These students are often not yet connected with community health services and are at risk of dropping out of the system.

Another area of concern for staff is a lack of clarity about the extent of their support role. They acknowledge their responsibility to provide duty of care, but argue their roles should not cross over to the provision of actual personal support.

Opportunities to debrief with colleagues is an important support strategy, particularly in teaching areas where there is an absence of experienced colleagues.

Professional development in the area of mental health would help to improve the skills and confidence of staff, so long as it is accessible and practical and meets the needs of their different levels.

More positive promotion of mental health awareness across TAFE could go some way to dispel the stigma and misconceptions associated with mental illness.

Who's supporting us? TAFE staff perspectives on supporting students with mental illnesses is available at
www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1834.html