Activities

Your student Anna, who is recovering from an eating disorder, just ran out of class because of triggering course content. In class, there was a visitor dietician who was discussing nutrition, body image, and healthy eating when a co-student made an implicitly offensive comment about weight and body mass index. This triggered Anna, causing her to run out of the classroom. You also leave class to check on her, and you find her pacing anxiously up and down the hallway with a worried look on her face.

Which of the below options are appropriate response in this case?

Case scenario

• Suzie’s (who is 13 years old) mother died a year ago from Covid-19, and Suzie is still having a hard time at school. At times she seems spirited and may be playing with her classmates at the schoolyard while other times she gets visibly upset or emotional and withdraws from activities and social interactions. Suzie has difficulty sleeping at night and concentrating in school. Last week during your class, you caught Suzie crying. You had a discussion with her and she told you that she is feeling very sad and that she also feels guilty when she is having fun with her classmates during classroom brakes. She said that she misses her mom and she finds dealing with school difficult.

How would you respond to Suzie?

Key points to consider

• Actively and non-judgmentally listen to the student’s story.
• Recognise, validate and normalise the student’s feelings and thoughts.
• Encourage her to speak to her loved ones about her feelings stating that it is important to share her grief with her family. Remind her the importance of asking for help when she needs it.
• You could also discuss with her ways that she can honour the memory of her mom.
• Discuss with her what you could do to support her in class when she feels overwhelmed.

Response

• I’m sorry to hear you are feeling very sad, grieving is a difficult process for everyone and it is OK to be upset and miss your mother.
• We physically can’t remain sad all day, it is natural and human to enjoy your friend’s company. That doesn’t mean that you don’t miss your mother, you love her and remember her dearly.
• Have you spoken to your family about how you feel? Sometimes if we are having a hard time, discussing talking to our loved ones makes us feel better. We can’t deal with difficult situations all by ourselves it is very important that you ask for help when you feel overwhelmed. If you are not sure what to say, try writing a note about how you are feeling and what is on your mind, and give that note to somebody who cares about you.
• Some people find it soothing to carry a small object that reminds them of their loved one (such as a photograph- would you like to do that?
• Next time you feel very sad, you can let me know and I could call your family or connect you with a psychologist that can help you cope during this difficult time.