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 examine teacher’s opinions on strategies for overcoming challenges in working with students 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 key solution areas were identified for addressing challenges in working with students with depression. First, strengthening support systems for teachers through the involvement of specialists was considered essential. Second, clearly defining teachers’ responsibilities when supporting students with depression was emphasized. Third, enhancing student-teacher relationships, fostering collaboration among teachers, and implementing targeted activities for students were highlighted as effective strategies. Fourth, effective cooperation between the student’s family, the school, and external mental health professionals was recognized as crucial for providing comprehensive support. In conclusion, effective cooperation among the student’s family, the school, and external professionals is essential. Further research into teachers’ experiences in supporting students with mental health problems could inform the development of effective support strategies for teachers, ultimately enhancing student functioning in school.