Mental Health Support in International Schools: A Growing Necessity

Published on 03 Mar 2025

General Article

Mental health is a vital part of a student’s overall well-being, yet many schools struggle to provide adequate support. With students facing academic pressures, cultural adjustments, and social challenges, addressing mental health should be a priority. However, limited budgets, teacher exhaustion, and a lack of knowledge often prevent schools from implementing effective mental health programmes. A recent survey conducted by Education Destination Malaysia examined how international schools in Malaysia support the mental health of students, how accessible these services are and how successful they were in meeting their goals. The survey gathered responses from 30 international schools, highlighting both positive progress and areas for further development.

This article explores the state of mental health support in international schools, the barriers that hinder progress, and practical steps schools can take to create a supportive environment. By raising awareness, improving accessibility, and fostering collaboration, schools can ensure students receive the mental health support they need to thrive academically, emotionally and socially. The survey findings highlight that while some schools have established structured mental health programmes, others still lack formal initiatives, emphasizing the need for continued investment and awareness.

Survey Findings on Mental Health Support

The International Schools Mental Health Survey, conducted from 11 September 2024 to 14 December 2024 by Education Destination Malaysia, gathered insights from 30 international schools, including input from educators, administrators and counsellors. The survey sought to understand how schools support student mental health and to gather information on the accessibility of services, and the challenges involved in implementing effective programmes.

Some of the 30 participating schools have established mental health programmes, while others are in the process of developing additional resources. The survey found that schools with structured mental health support, such as counselling departments and well-being programmes, have seen positive results in students’ emotional resilience and academic performance. Some schools, however, still rely on informal support systems due to financial and staffing constraints.

Several schools shared their approaches to student mental health and well-being, each emphasizing structured support systems. Seven Skies International School highlighted its Student Well-Being Department, which provides direct assistance through trained professionals, while HELP International School’s emphasis is on the role of its certified counselling team’ in supporting students, parents, and staff in fostering a collaborative approach to mental health. Garden International School offers a strong pastoral care system with counselling services and peer mentoring, while Nexus International School integrates mindfulness activities with teacher training to ensure early intervention and support.

Other institutions have also prioritized well-being. Taylor’s International School promotes mental health awareness through regular well-being check-ins and student-led initiatives, and The Alice Smith School incorporates emotional well-being into its curriculum to help students build resilience. The International School of Kuala Lumpur embeds Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into its curriculum, enabling students to build resilience and manage stress. Epsom College ensures students receive timely emotional support through its in-house counsellor, while IGB International School promotes a holistic approach to well-being through student advisory programmes and parent engagement. The Australian International School Malaysia (AISM) encourages open conversations on mental health, integrating well-being activities into daily school life. These collective efforts reflect the growing commitment to student mental health, ensuring a supportive environment for learning and personal growth.

Educators and school representatives also shared their thoughts. Anjali Nagarajan, Assistant Marketing Manager from Epsom College, noted that having an in-house counsellor ensures students receive timely emotional support which, improves their overall well-being. Shahina Shahar, Marketing & Communications Manager from HELP International School, stressed the importance of involving parents and staff in mental health discussions to build a stronger support network. Christina Decu, Director of Enrolment Management from The International School of Kuala Lumpur, emphasized that integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into the curriculum enables students to build resilience and manage stress effectively. Alice Tan, Head of Student Support at Nexus International School, highlighted the need for teacher training in recognizing early signs of emotional distress, ensuring students receive timely interventions. Dr. Sharyn Davies, Principal of Australian International School Malaysia (AISM), shared that their well-being programmes incorporate open discussions and mindfulness activities to create a culture of mental health awareness.

The survey results highlight that while some schools have made progress, others still face challenges arising from budget limitations, teacher workload, and the need for specialized training. Overcoming these obstacles requires collaboration between schools, educators and parents to ensure students receive the mental health support they need to thrive.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

Good mental health is essential for our overall well-being. It enables individuals to handle stress, adapt to changes, and build strong relationships. When students have good mental health, they are better equipped to manage their emotions and succeed in both their academic and personal lives.

However, having good mental health does not mean feeling happy all the time. Everyone faces challenges, and life has its ups and downs. Some struggles are temporary, while others take time to overcome. Recognizing that mental health issues can affect anyone helps reduce negative perceptions and encourages students to seek support when needed.

International students often experience additional stress due to having to adjust to a new culture, language barriers, and feelings of isolation. Schools should offer counselling and mental health programmes tailored to these unique challenges to ensure every student feels supported.

To raise mental health awareness, schools should incorporate education about emotional well-being into their curriculum. Teaching students about stress management, coping strategies, and emotional resilience fosters the development of lifelong skills to maintain mental wellness. Open discussions about mental health should also be encouraged to erase any form of stigma attached to it.

Beyond the classroom, schools can organize workshops, awareness campaigns, and peer support programmes. Student-led initiatives and peer mentoring create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking help.

It is also important to engage with parents in the initiatives generated to support students’ mental health. Schools should provide families with resources and guidance to help them recognize symptoms of mental health problems in their children and support them at home. Open communication between schools and parents ensures students receive consistent care and encouragement.

Barriers to Addressing Mental Health in International Schools

With the growing awareness of mental health issues, many schools are working to enhance their support systems while addressing several key challenges:

Limited Budgets: Many international schools face financial challenges when trying to set up mental health programmes. Since tuition fees are often used for academics, extracurricular activities, and school operations, mental health support may not always receive enough funding. However, schools can explore different ways to secure resources, such as forming partnerships with organizations that share their goals, applying for grants, or using low-cost solutions. These efforts enable them to bring in professional counselors, provide teacher training, and organize student workshops on mental well-being.

Teacher Exhaustion: Teachers in international schools have numerous responsibilities, including academic instruction, administrative tasks, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, they are expected to support students’ mental health, which can sometimes be overwhelming for some of them. Many educators also face their own mental health challenges, which may affect their ability to assist students effectively. Due to their demanding workloads and long hours, taking on extra duties may be more than they can cope with. To ensure they can support students properly, it is essential to prioritize teachers’ well-being as well.

Lack of Knowledge and Training: Although many international schools acknowledge the importance of mental health, they may lack the expertise or resources to establish effective support systems. Schools with diverse student populations must consider cultural differences in mental health perceptions and ensure their programmes are inclusive and culturally sensitive. With proper training and guidance, teachers and school leaders can create strong mental health programmes. Schools that focus on mental health, will continue to learn and improve in the process of implementing their programmes. With more theoretical knowledge and practical insights, schools can design and put in place programmes that truly help students.

The Way Forward

To build a strong foundation for mental health in international schools, the following steps should be taken:

Educate school administrators, teachers and parents: Teachers and administrators should receive mental health training to recognize symptoms of distress in students and how to respond appropriately without undue delay. Schools should also extend this education to parents so they can support their children at home. Workshops and the sharing of information and insights can help ensure that everyone involved in a child’s education and care understand mental health challenges and how to address them.

Teach students about mental health: Schools should equip students with the knowledge and tools to manage their mental and emotional well-being. This can include listening to mental health speakers, offering counselling sessions, and teaching students how to identify signs of distress in themselves and in their peers. Encouraging honest and open discussions on mental health can go a long way in reducing the stigma attached to the subject and promote early and effective intervention.

Foster an inclusive and supportive environment: Schools should actively promote inclusivity by encouraging respect for different backgrounds, cultures, and identities. Anti-bullying programmes and peer support initiatives can do much to promote a culture of acceptance where all students feel safe and valued.

Enhance digital mental health services: Technology can facilitate access to mental health support. Schools can integrate wellness apps, virtual counselling, and online resources to provide students with private and convenient ways to seek help and manage their well-being as and when needed.

Conduct regular mental health assessments: Schools should implement ongoing surveys and regular well-being check-ins to assess student mental health. The feedback received helps institutions to identify stressors, evaluate existing programmes, and adjust strategies to better meet the needs of students.

Secure finding and build strong partnerships: Schools should allocate a dedicated budget for mental health initiatives and seek support through government grants, corporate sponsorships, and community partnerships. Collaborating with mental health professionals, clinics, and non-profits can provide schools with specialized resources and training to enhance student support systems.

Mental health support in international schools is crucial for the academic success and overall well-being. of students. Schools must continuously improve their programmes by educating teachers, parents, and students, ensuring access to mental health services, and promoting open discussions. By integrating mental health awareness into daily learning and fostering a supportive environment, schools can help students build resilience and develop lifelong coping skills.

Investing in mental health today prepares students for the future, helping them manage stress, form healthy relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Through collaboration with mental health professionals, families, and the wider community, schools can create a strong support system that empowers students to thrive both academically and personally.

Education Destination Malaysia would like to thank the following schools for their input: