What Parents Need to Know About Back to School & Mental Health

 

Starting a new school year can be an exciting time but it can also be stressful. Adjusting to a new grade level, new teachers, new classroom, and making new friends can sometimes cause feelings of anxiety and fear. Times of transition can be tricky for kids to navigate. Cyberbullying, self-harm, and suicide could become a cause for concern as the school year begins, which is often connected to substance abuse.

Understand transition times are difficult at any age - watch for signs of distress as your kids transition to a new school year. You can help them manage stress by monitoring mood changes, sleep patterns, and watching for signs of isolation. Encourage healthy coping mechanisms such as maintaining a balanced schedule that includes exercise, nutritious meals, and plenty of sleep, connecting to positive social support, and modeling healthy ways to manage stress.

Know the signs of common mental health conditions - the most common mental health conditions in youth are anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. General symptoms to be aware of include poor school performance or changes in school performance, persistent boredom, frequent physical ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, sleep issues, signs of regression like bedwetting, and even aggressive behaviors.

Learn how to start a conversation around mental health - understanding how to talk about mental health, just like talking about substance abuse, is one of the most important things you will do as a parent. Teens report that their parents are still the most important influence on their lives. When beginning conversations, it is important to speak from a place of empathy and express care. Use general language such as "I am worried about you," "I am here for you," or "Can we talk about what is going on with you?" You want your child to know that you are there for them every step of the way. Gentle approaches build trust with your child as they are more willing to open up about sensitive issues.