How To Discuss your mental health with your professor.
How well you do in class is related to your psychological well-being.If you are struggling with your mental health and would like to talk to your professor about it, set up an office hours appointment with them, ask if you can make up any missed assignments you may have, and keep checking in with their professor throughout the term.You can talk about mental health with your professor, even though it may seem intimidating.
Step 1: If you know you will struggle, email your professor.
If your mental health gets in the way of a class before, it could be an issue.Let your professor know if you're late or miss class before the semester starts.It will make your professor more willing to work with you if you let them know early.I just wanted to let you know that I have been struggling with my mental health recently, and I am in your math 200 class.This could cause me to miss a few classes or be late for some assignments.Don't sound like you're asking for special treatment, I'd like to set up an office hours appointment with you to discuss my action plan for this class.It should be framed as cluing your professor in.
Step 2: When you start missing assignments, talk to your professor.
It can snowball if you miss one assignment.Let your professor know if you notice that you are falling behind in class because of your mental health issues.Don't wait until you get a failing grade.
Step 3: If you missed a class, let your professor know.
Some college classes require you to be in class in order to get participation points.If you miss a class because of your mental health, you should talk to your professor and explain that you were gone due to an illness, and that it may happen again.You did not skip their class out of boredom or laziness.You might not be able to make up participation points that you missed.
Step 4: Do not lie or make up excuses.
If you missed a class or an assignment and want to explain it to your professor, do not make a family emergency.If you're considering faking a reason to excuse your behavior, it's time to talk to your professor.You should meet with them to discuss your missed class work.
Step 5: Even if you are struggling, do your best to turn your work in on time.
College professors may not accept late or extra credit work.You can turn in any work that is close to the due date.You can get partial credit even if you only do half of an assignment.You can get points for attending class.You should try to attend as many classes as you can.
Step 6: You can make an appointment with your professor.
It will be easier to talk to your professor about a sensitive topic if you are one-on-one with them.If you make an appointment with them, they will be expecting you and there won't be any other students around.
Step 7: Share what you are comfortable with.
If you are not comfortable telling your professor about your mental health history, they don't need to know it.You should stick to the facts that have led you to struggle in class or fall behind.If you want to get your message across, you should mention a decline in your mental health.You could say, "I've been struggling with my mental health lately and I can tell it's affecting my productivity in your class."
Step 8: Accountability is taken for your actions.
Don't make excuses for yourself, it's great to tell your professor why you've been struggling.It is your responsibility to make up for your declining classwork, and your professor will appreciate you acknowledging that.My struggles with mental health have caused me to miss the last 3 classes, and this has knocked my grade down quite a bit.Is there any extra credit work you can give me to make up for it?
Step 9: Inquire about the mental health resources available to you.
College campuses have resources for students who are struggling with mental health.The counseling center, health center and mental health groups on your campus are usually free for students.Ask your professor if they know of any resources that you can use to improve your mental health.I need support to get through this.Do you know of any helpful resources on campus?
Step 10: During the term, keep an eye on your professor.
If you continue to fall behind in class, be sure to keep your professor in the loop, since an initial meeting is great to let him know about your struggles.Let them know if you still have problems with your mental health and what you are doing to improve it.If you want to chat with your professor again, set up another office hours appointment or send them a quick email.You could say, "Hey Professor, just wanted to check in with you."I did not turn in the last assignment because of my mental health issues.I will try my best to complete the homework this week.