Stacy Darrow

As a therapist and former school principal, I believe this deeply, supporting school staff mental health is not extra. It is essential. The adults who care for everyone else need support too. Here are 10 meaningful ways to support school staff mental health and wellness: 1.Lead with empathy. We never fully know what someone else is carrying. A little more grace, patience, and understanding can change someone’s entire day. 2.Make people feel seen. A sincere thank you can go a long way. People need to know their effort, heart, and sacrifices matter. 3.Honor their time. Time is one of the most meaningful ways to show respect. Protect planning time, reduce unnecessary meetings, and be thoughtful about after-hours expectations. 4.Remove barriers that make the work harder. When staff are constantly fighting red tape, unclear expectations, or unnecessary obstacles, stress rises fast. Support them by simplifying systems and clearing the path where you can. 5.Create a culture where asking for help feels safe. Strong people need support too. Schools should be places where staff can be honest without fear or shame. 6.Make wellness visible, not just verbal. If mental health matters, show it in schedules, policies, support systems, and leadership decisions. 7.Encourage real breaks. Even the most dedicated people cannot pour from an empty cup. A few moments to breathe, reset, and regroup can make a big difference. 8.Remind them they do not have to be perfect. So many educators and school staff are carrying impossible expectations. They need to hear that being human is okay. 9.Build connection, not just collaboration. Staff need more than teamwork. They need belonging. A school feels different when the adults feel connected to each other. 10.Remind school staff of the difference they make. On the hardest days, people need to be reminded that their presence matters, their kindness matters, and their work is changing lives in ways they may never fully see. When we support school staff well, everyone benefits. Healthy adults help create healthy schools.