Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Long before a student reaches a counsellor or parent, it is often a teacher who notices the first sign of distress. Across UAE schools, teachers are stepping into an essential role to support students’ mental wellbeing.
On World Mental Wellness Day, observed globally today, Aletihad highlights how educators are taking the lead as first responders to youth wellbeing - ready to listen, support, and offer encouragement when it’s needed most.
Amera Zedan, a computer science teacher in Umm Al Quwain, sees the link between emotional wellbeing and academic engagement every day.
“When students feel stressed or anxious, it shows,” she told Aletihad. “They might miss deadlines, lose focus, or go quiet in class. That is when we step in, not to punish, but to listen.”
Zedan believes teachers’ smallest gestures can make the biggest difference.
“Sometimes, giving a student extra time or simply sitting down to listen can restore their confidence. Teachers are not therapists, but we represent a safe space for our students,” she added.
Zedan said that she always notices when a normally active student becomes quiet or frustrated, which signals that something deeper might be affecting their performance.
“I make sure to create a safe, understanding classroom environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves. I try to start by simply listening to them without judgement,” she noted.
“If a student is struggling emotionally, I adjust my expectations temporarily by offering flexible deadlines or extra support in classes. I also encourage them to talk to the school counsellor or engage in activities that help them relax and refocus,” Zedan said.
According to Zedan, teachers and the school environment play a huge role in mental health awareness.
“When teachers show empathy, patience, and genuine care, students feel seen and valued. As teachers, we encourage students to manage time wisely, take care of themselves, and seek help when needed,” Zedan said.
Observing Day-to-Day
BehaviourAisha Khalid, a school counsellor in Abu Dhabi, indicated that “teachers are a student’s daily constant”.
“Teachers spend more time with students than anyone, sometimes even more than their parents. This is why teachers are often the first to notice when something changes. For many students, the classroom may be the place where they feel seen and heard,” Khalid told Aletihad.
She pointed out that counsellors rely heavily on teachers’ observations when identifying students who may need extra emotional support, as they are the ones who witness students’ day-to-day behaviour.
“It is our job to be attentive, provide support, and guide students and their parents toward the help needed,” she added.
Marisha Arekat, Assistant Head of Secondary for Personalised Learning and Wellbeing at Nord Anglia International School Dubai, pointed out that students learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported.
“Wellbeing is not a separate initiative, but a shared responsibility woven through everything we do,” Arekat told Aletihad.
Through weekly initiatives, teachers, tutors, and wellbeing ambassadors come together to guide students in understanding their emotions, strengths, and coping strategies, Arekat said.
“Many of the challenges we see reflect the world our students are growing up in, academic pressure, friendship dynamics, managing transitions, and navigating digital life,” she added.
Fostering a Culture of Openness
Arekat also noted that the students themselves are involved through wellbeing student ambassadors and peer mentors, who play a key role in shaping a culture of openness and support.
“Students lead initiatives on kindness, inclusion, and mental health awareness, modelling empathy and leadership for their peers,” she explained.
According to Arekat, one of the positive changes in recent years is the growing openness and maturity when students talk about their emotions.
“They are more comfortable naming feelings, reaching out for help, and supporting each other through challenges, which is a result of years of embedding wellbeing into our culture. Today, students see mental health as part of who they are, not something that defines or limits them,” she said.
