As the school season ushers in a flurry of activity, it brings not only the excitement of new beginnings but also potential stress for both children and parents and that is why school mental health awareness is necessary.
Beyond the traditional focus on school supplies and new outfits, experts are urging parents to be attuned to their children’s emotional well-being as they head back to the classroom.
School Mental Health Awareness To Support For Young Individual’s Mental Well-Being
Recent calls for heightened mental health services for young individuals have underscored the need for proactive measures.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Emergency Nurses Association have jointly advocated for increased accessibility to mental health support for youngsters, aiming to address issues before they escalate to emergency situations.
This plea comes in response to a concerning trend: emergency room visits related to mental health crises among young people have risen dramatically over the last decade.
Recognizing the significance of early intervention, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force had previously recommended that pediatricians begin screening children as young as 8 for anxiety and those as young as 12 for depression during their routine check-ups.
Dr. Joseph Austerman, a pediatric psychiatrist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, emphasizes that the first line of assistance is the child’s pediatrician.
He also stresses the importance of parents proactively observing any changes in their children’s behavior and engaging in open conversations before issues escalate into crises.
Dr. Austerman further reveals that parents can collaborate with their child’s school to access support. He notes that schools are mandated to provide mental health services, a fact that many parents might not be aware of.
“It’s actually a state mandate now that schools have mental health services in them,” says Austerman. “And as a parent, I didn’t know about this. Only professionally did I find this out, but schools have a mandate to help with mental health as part of the education, and they’re mandated to help educate kids about mental health.”
Being attuned to potential signs of distress in children is crucial. Younger kids may exhibit physical symptoms like recurring stomachaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches, which can often be manifestations of stress and anxiety.
However, the changes are not solely physical—behavioral shifts can be indicative of underlying emotional challenges that warrant attention.
“Sometimes there can be warning signs—when you see a significant change in behavior, when you see increased isolation, irritability, change in sleep patterns, changes in their eating habits—and sometimes kids express anger when they’re actually struggling with depression,” explains Austerman.
“It can also manifest as sadness and isolation. Whenever you observe such changes, it’s important to engage your child. Don’t shy away from discussing mental health and even the topic of suicide.”
Early conversations that touch on emotions are pivotal. Austerman advises parents to go beyond asking generic questions like “How was your day?” Instead, he suggests inquiring about specific experiences and encouraging responses that lead to more meaningful dialogues.
“Don’t just ask, ‘How was your day?’ [and] what the worst and best part of their day was,” Austerman advises. “Ask them things that lead to conversations.”
As families transition back into the rhythm of school life, the collective call to prioritize children’s mental health reminds parents that nurturing emotional well-being is as vital as preparing for academic success.
Awareness, open communication, and early intervention collectively serve as powerful tools in supporting children as they navigate the complex landscape of their emotions during this pivotal time of year.
