Student Support

Returning to school in the fall can elicit a wide range of emotions- from excitement and joy to sadness and fear. For many of our students this transition is filled with anxiety.  This can be especially true for students who are entering, changing, or transition between schools. It's important to remember that most students will deal with some level of anxiety when it comes to returning to school. The question is-  how do we support our students  and how do we know when we have a significant problem or concern? 

While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters. As a parent/caregiver, it could be an opportunity to begin a conversation about mental health with your child. I invite you to read this month’s blog together with your child or watch this short video and then lean in and listen with curiosity to their thoughts and feelings about mental health, self-care, getting help, and supporting others.

It all begins with you.  You are the one that sets the example, you are the one who influences the decisions that a child may make. As a caregiver, never underestimate your power to influence a child’s future.  While it is an extremely heavy burden to know that your influence can impact and shape a child’s future, it is also one of the greatest gifts we are given when we become caregivers, parents and guardians.  

In January’s blog, we discussed that it can be difficult to determine if your child’s concerning behavior is temporary (possibly due to a stressor like a change in the family), or if it is associated with more serious problems, perhaps needing more specialized treatment. Whatever the concern, start by talking to your child’s Primary Care Physician (PCP), which may include a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, etc.  Ask questions and learn everything you can about the behavior or symptoms that worry you. Ask your child’s teacher(s) if they have noticed worrisome changes in behavior. Share this with your child's PCP. Keep in mind that every child is different. Even normal development, such as when children develop language, motor, and social skills, varies from child to child. The PCP will take a comprehensive care approach, having conversations around sleep, diet, substance use, and lifestyle that can contribute to mental health challenges. The PCP may suggest a referral to a mental health provider/therapist or another specialist based on the findings.