Teachers’ Perspectives on Strategies for Overcoming Challenges in Working with Students with Depression: Findings from Qualitative Research within the Heads Up Project

Abstract

The aim of the study was to answer the research questions on the ways teachers cope with the difficulties of working with a student with depression. Method: The data is part of the international Erasmus+ project, Heads Up: Mental Health of Young People at School (2022-1-PL01-KA220-YOU-000090100). Between March and June 2023, four semi-structured group interviews were conducted online with Polish public school teachers. All participants met specific inclusion criteria: they worked as teachers in grades 4-8 or secondary school, had at least five years of teaching experience, and served as class teachers. The interviews followed pre-developed instructions and involved 28 participants, primarily women and diploma teachers aged 30 to 60 years. A two-stage coding process, using the MAXQDA 2022 program, was employed for data analysis. Results: Four sub-areas were defined within the thematic area on how to deal with difficulties in working with a student with depression. The need for additional support for teachers, especially from specialists, was found to be crucial. It was also important to define areas of teacher responsibility when working with a student with depression. Opportunities to strengthen the student-teacher relationship and cooperation between teachers were identified, as well as organising activities aimed directly at students. In conclusion: effective cooperation among the student’s family, the school, and external professionals is essential. Further research into teachers' needs regarding students with depression and other health problems could help facilitate support for this professional group, ultimately improving student functioning in school.