With back to school 2019 underway, many children have greeted the return to classes with enthusiasm. But for others, it’s a source of dread. Bullying, academic stress, and peer pressure can lead to depression in teens, social anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Students already struggling with a mental illness may find it especially difficult to thrive in the classroom. Here are some strategies to promote your child’s mental health during this back-to-school season.
Discuss Mental Health Struggles: Don’t Bottle Up Emotions
Discussing mental health is just as important as talking about physical health. If your child is showing signs of social anxiety or some other mental health issue, open up a conversation by gently sharing your concerns. Remember that it’s OK to use terminology associated with a mental health condition. For example, you can say, “I’m concerned about your panic attacks. Can you tell me what’s going on?” Beginning the conversation from a place of compassion can go a long way toward encouraging your child to communicate with you.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Stimulate Better Mental Health
If your back to school 2019 has gotten off to a chaotic start, it’s not too late to make some changes to promote healthy habits and a sense of structure. Make sure your child is eating nutritious meals and snacks, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Young people with mental health issues sometimes self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Talk to your child about the dangers of substance abuse and seek professional help if needed.
Build Self-Esteem to Lessen Anxiety
Help your child feel accepted and valued by providing plenty of positive reinforcement. Encourage him to set realistic goals and offer support toward achieving them. If children are being bullied at school, teach them how to handle the problem (with the help of trusted adults). Coach your child in developing social, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to boost their confidence.
Learn Constructive Coping Strategies
Resilience is key in overcoming social anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Learning healthy ways of coping, such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, journaling, and seeking support from friends and family members, can help students make strides toward overcoming social anxiety and related disorders.
Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital provides a well-rounded approach to promoting mental health in schools. After a thorough evaluation, each patient receives an individualized care plan that may include inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient counseling. If you or a loved one is looking for mental health support… Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is available 24/7 to answer your call.