Prepare Your Kids For School: Protect Their Mental Health

As the school year approaches, no doubt you’re shopping for new clothes and supplies. But it’s crucial to consider your children’s mental well-being.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six students ages 6 to 17 has a treatable mental health issue like anxiety or depression. As is the case with physical health issues, early identification and intervention of mental health issues can safeguard academic performance and personal growth.

WHAT CAUSES MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN CHILDREN?

Several factors contribute, including the following:

Academic pressure: High grades, tests and college admissions can create anxiety and chronic stress, impacting emotional health. Some levels of stress are normal, but chronic stress can lead to burnout and emotional distress. Encourage your children to take a balanced approach to schoolwork.

Social dynamics: Positive peer interactions boost self-esteem, while bullying can lead to severe consequences like anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

Promote healthy relationships for your child and take immediate action if bullying is suspected.

Technology: Excessive screen time, especially on social media, can foster loneliness and cyberbullying, necessitating healthy digital habits. Monitoring online activities can help mitigate these risks.

Home environment: Supportive families build resilience, while stress or conflict can magnify mental health issues.

Overscheduling: Encourage free time for rest and creativity to prevent overscheduling, allowing your kids the space to rejuvenate and explore their creativity without constraint.

DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES

Each academic phase presents unique challenges.

Elementary school (kindergarten to grade 5). Younger children may experience separation anxiety and difficulty with social skills and adapting to structured environments.

Middle school (grades 6 to 8). Preteens face the pressures of puberty, identity formation, and increased academic demands. Social acceptance becomes more important to them, and bullying or peer pressure can significantly affect their mental health.

High school (grades 9 to 12). Teenagers deal with the complexities of preparing for adulthood, including higher academic expectations, romantic relationships, and career planning. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety often emerge during these years.

SUPPORT STRATEGIES

Here’s how to bolster your child’s mental health:

Regular check-ins. Talk regularly with your child about their feelings and experiences. Creating a safe space for those discussions can help you identify issues early.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Help your child explore the benefits of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation techniques as ways to not only manage stress and anxiety but also to foster a deeper spiritual connection within themselves.

Physical activity. Regular physical activity, such as sports, yoga or even walks, can help improve your child’s mood and reduce stress.

A healthy lifestyle. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet and gets enough sleep. Limiting their screen time can have a positive impact on mental health.

Professional support. Do not hesitate to get professional help when needed.

Understanding these challenges and implementing supportive strategies can enhance a student’s well-being, both academically and personally. If you, or your children, need mental health support, call the Luminis Health J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center at 667-204-7300.