The start of the school year can be stressful. Support your student’s mental health with these simple tips.

• Establish the Importance of Mental Health
  • Take some time before school starts to talk about the importance of mental health. Let students know that anyone can struggle with their mental health (including parents) and that  there is nothing to be ashamed of when seeking help. Remind them that you are there to talk anytime things begin to feel stressful or overwhelming. Return to this conversation throughout the year, or give a reminder any time you feel that it is necessary. Never assume that once was enough! (The same goes for conversations about drugs and alcohol!)

• Identify Supports
  • Make sure students know who their resources are. For older kids, this could just be a conversation about who their supports are in school and out of school.  Ideally, all kids should have at least one trusted adult they can go to if they need help (While parents still have the greatest influence on their kids, teens may find some things difficult to discuss with you.)  If your child is especially anxious, it can be helpful to make a list or flowchart together. They can keep it in their backpack or locker so that when big feelings come up, they know where to go.

• Schedule Regular Quality Time
  • It’s easy for things to go unnoticed with all the busyness of the school year. In addition to regular check ins, make it a priority to spend quality time together. Set up some time each month (or week) where you can reconnect as a family. This could be as simple as playing a board game or having a meal together. Focus on simply spending time together and building relationships; keep the pressure off by allowing kids to share only as they feel comfortable. Even if your child doesn’t care to share, this reminds them that you care and are willing to listen when help is needed.

• Demonstrate and Discuss healthy Coping Skills
  • Let kids see you utilizing healthy coping skills in your own life, such as calling a family member, prayer, exercise, or going to therapy. Be intentional about letting them know why you’re doing these things. “I’m been feeling really stressed out by some things that happened at work recently so I’m going for a walk to clear my mind.”
  • Talk about coping skills and things that work for them. Make sure there are things they have things they can do at school (like counting to 10 or taking deep breaths) and things they can do out of school (like painting a picture or snuggling a pet).
  •  Practice coping skills or self-care together. Take a walk, give yourselves a pedicure, or check YouTube for videos on breathing strategies, guided imagery, and mindfulness exercises.

• Put together a physical Coping Toolbox
  • Younger kids or more concrete thinkers might like to put together an actual coping skills toolbox. (Get the directions here https://youtu.be/Y7X966Q1cjI?si=cwUdDHi9_bhd9rXj ). You can even make a mini/travel version that they can keep in their locker.

• Familiarize Yourself with Community Resources
  • This one is mostly for the parents. Put together some information for yourself about various local agencies, groups, and organizations that provide professional help. Talk to your student’s guidance counselor about the referral process. Be proactive in finding a therapist’s office that fits your values and take your insurance. Many organizations (like Wedgwood Christian Services) specialize in working with adolescents. Gathering information ahead of time ensures that you will be able to get help as quickly as possible, should there be a need in the future.

Lastly, keep in mind that taking care of mental health is an
ongoing process. Everyone faces challenges at one time or another, whether it
is due to life events, seasonal changes, or just fluctuations in brain
chemistry. Empower your student by giving them strategies to work through tough
times, and be sure to let them know that help is available when they need it.