Back to School Links – August 2023 

Since the pandemic, pediatricians and psychiatrists have expressed concern in the overall mental health status of young people in the US. Unfortunately, our schools do not always have all the necessary resources to address these issues. Therefore, it is important for us to understand the kinds of social supports students need to help improve their mental and academic wellbeing. Learn more here: No, the kids aren’t okay. Here are four social supports that can make a difference. - Christensen Institute : Christensen Institute 

We are now in the last month of the summer season and for many that means getting ready to go back to school. While kids might have mixed feelings about the start of a new school year, it is important to consider having conversations around the topic of mental health and the affect it has on our children. These conversations are not always easy, but imperative for the wellbeing of your children's emotional development and your overall family health. So, as you dive into the hustle-and-bustle of back-to-school shopping, be sure to give this article a read so that you can not only be prepared to start the school year with all of your supplies, but also with the awareness of how to take care of our children's mental health as they progress through the school year. Learn more here: https://www.turnbridge.com/news-events/latest-articles/does-school-cause-mental-illness/#:~:text=When%20facing%20academic%20stress%2C%20adolescents,students%20experience%20improved%20mental%20health. 

A new school year can be a big transition at any age. The mental health of students has been a hot topic in recent years, and for parents it can be difficult to know how to handle the topic. Here are some tips to help parents recognize signs of mental illness and how to provide support to their students. https://www.npr.org/2022/08/22/1118485445/keep-an-eye-on-your-students-mental-health-this-back-to-school-season 

If you are a student, you might be feeling mixed emotions about the return to school. Getting back into the routine can be challenging, and the pressure to do well can be overwhelming sometimes. Here are some tips for students to take control of their mental health and feel more prepared for whatever comes their way. https://mashable.com/article/back-to-school-mental-health 

Being a teacher can be extremely rewarding, but it often comes at a price of high stress, pressure, and risk of burnout. It’s hard to take care of yourself under these conditions, but these tips can be helpful to keep in mind throughout the year so you can care for yourself and in turn, your students. https://mhanational.org/teachers-protecting-your-mental-health

The best authority on supporting our educators is the educators themselves. If you are feeling overwhelmed in your role as an educator, you are not alone. Here is a frank discussion from others in the profession about managing stress and mental health when the system often works against you. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/heres-what-teachers-say-they-need-most-to-manage-stress-mental-health/2023/07

Attending college when you are living with a mental health disorder brings along new responsibilities and challenges as you step into a more independent environment, Mental Health America has compiled some tips to help make the transition go smoothly as you manage your mental health. https://mhanational.org/whats-your-plan-college-mental-health-condition

Moving away from home to attend college is a big transition and it’s easy to forget just how challenging it can be when you’re caught up in the excitement of your freshman year. These tips can help students manage the transition a little easier as they begin their new semester. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/tips-for-smooth-college-transition/

Both parents and children can have anxiety about the return to school for a variety of reasons. This article from the Child Mind Institute provides tips for how to handle behavioral issues as they arise, and how to spot signs of mental health issues early. https://childmind.org/article/back-school-anxiety/

Anxiety affects teenagers in different ways than when they were children. Teenage years are rarely easy, as the transition to adulthood brings a ton of new experiences and emotions to navigate. This article goes into detail about how anxiety shows up in teenagers, and how parents and caretakers can help. https://childmind.org/article/signs-of-anxiety-in-teenagers/

If you are a parent watching your child head off to college for the first time, you know all too well of the mixed emotions and anxieties that come with this major life event. This article can help you emotionally prepare for the big moment and leave you and your child feeling confident. https://www.parents.com/parenting/how-to-emotionally-prepare-as-a-parent-before-you-send-your-kid-to-college/