Why Speaking Up Matters
Talking to your teachers about mental health is a powerful step toward feeling supported in the IB. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, a compassionate teacher can:
- Help adjust deadlines
- Offer emotional understanding
- Connect you with school counselors or accommodations
This conversation is about support, not excuses—and taking that step often improves both mental health and academic performance.
1. Prepare What You Want to Say
Start by clarifying your thoughts. Reflect with simple journaling (see Can Journaling Help Me Cope with IB Stress?) and ask yourself:
- What exactly am I struggling with?
- How is it affecting my schoolwork or wellbeing?
- What kind of support do I need—an extension, check-in meetings, flexibility?
Writing it down helps you speak clearly and stay focused during the chat.
2. Choose the Right Time and Place
Avoid pop-ins before class. Instead, ask politely:
“Can I meet you after school for a private chat?”
A quiet, calm setting helps you communicate openly and gives teachers space to listen thoughtfully.
3. Be Honest and Respectful
Start like this:
“I’ve been feeling very anxious and overwhelmed lately, and I think it’s starting to affect my assignments/exams.”
Use “I” statements to express your experience, not blame anyone. You could mention journaling or anxiety-focused habits from Is It Okay to Cry During the IB? to show you've been proactive.
4. Ask for Specific Support
Once you open up, suggest helpful adjustments:
- Extensions or time‑based check-ins
- Clarity on expectations and workload
- Weekly or monthly check-ins for accountability
Teachers want to see engagement, not excuses. Make it clear you're still committed but need small adjustments to stay on track.
5. Know What Your School Can Offer
Many schools have support systems or IB accommodations. Check out Does the IB Care if I Have Undiagnosed Extreme Anxiety? to learn what’s possible—even without a formal diagnosis. Your teacher can guide you to counselors or coordinators who can help.
6. Follow Up and Stay Accountable
After your initial talk, follow up:
“Thank you for giving me that extra time; I’ve used it to improve my draft.”
Showing progress builds trust and keeps support channels open. If things improve slowly, reflect weekly using ideas from Avoid Burnout in Year 2 of IB.
7. Use RevisionDojo’s Supportive Tools
While you work on these conversations, lean on RevisionDojo:
- Use the Ultimate Daily IB Study Schedule to manage your workload.
- Try techniques from 10 Proven Study Techniques for IB Students to make your study time efficient and less stressful.
Bringing your teacher a structured plan shows you’re serious about your learning—and not just looking for a free pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What if I feel embarrassed to talk about mental health?
Many students do. Start small—mention stress, fatigue, or concentration issues. Teachers understand—especially when you present the request respectfully.
Q2: Are teachers trained to help with mental health?
Most aren’t therapists, but they can offer compassion, flexibility, and point you to school counselors or support structures.
Q3: How early should I bring this up?
Sooner is better. Don’t wait until everything piles up—addressing your feelings early prevents bigger problems down the line.
Q4: What if the teacher doesn’t respond well?
Try again or escalate: approach another trusted teacher, your IB coordinator, or a school counselor.
Q5: Should I involve my parents?
Yes, if you're comfortable. Parents can help advocate for you and reinforce the adjustments at home.
Q6: How do I balance privacy with sharing?
Share only what you feel comfortable with. You don’t need to disclose details—just the effect on your learning and mental health.
Conclusion
Talking about mental health in school settings takes courage—and planning. By preparing, communicating clearly, requesting specific support, and using tools like RevisionDojo to structure your work, you set yourself up for a stronger, more supportive IB experience.
Take the Next Step with RevisionDojo
Looking for structured study plans, stress-reducing routines, and tools to show your teachers you're committed? Visit RevisionDojo now for AI-powered planners, flashcards, wellness content, and more. Empower your voice, protect your mental health, and excel academically—with smart support by your side. 🚀
