LIVE WELL
Back-to-School Mental Health Wellness
It comes as no surprise to anyone that dealing with the ups and downs of pandemic-era schooling, parents and children both are anxious and concerned about returning to school. Most families have barely recovered from this past year of lock downs, virtual learning, mask regulations, job challenges, isolation and Covid 19, and we are again on the brink of another uncertain school year.
The fall out of this past year has been difficult for most of us, and most people would agree that the mental health challenges are significant. Mental Health Clinicians are seeing an increase number of elevated levels of anxiety, panic, depression and suicidality among adolescents and teens.
they do not always feel free to share their feelings with their parents because they observe that their parents are already stressed out and they do not want to make it worse. If teens cannot open up and talk about their feelings with their parents, they will reach out and find support somewhere else. I suggest a weekly or biweekly family meeting to reset, and for parents to share their feelings openly and honestly with their children; to model open and honest conversation. Regular family meetings can create a very supportive family environment which will aide in good mental and emotional health.
Reset bedtime The summer bedtime schedule that has creeped into late nights and hard to get up mornings will take some time and effort to As we wave our children off to another un- reset back to the school certain school year, we schedule. It is imperative to our children’s need to arm ourselves mental health to ensure with a plan by taking steps to ensure our chil- that they are getting dren’s mental and emo- an adequate amount tional well-being. Here of sleep each night. It is suggested that parare 5 suggested strateents begin at least two gies: weeks prior to school starting to implement Hold regular family a new plan so that chilmeetings dren can adapt to the Children have a high amount of sleep and the need to belong, to be new time frame well loved and to be heard, before the first day of so it is important for parents to create an en- school. Getting good rest also needs to revironment and opportunity to listen and en- main a high priority to gage in your children’s ensure good focus and emotional regulation fears, concerns and among children. feelings. One of the things I have learned Discuss boundaries as a Licensed Mental around social media Health Counselor this past year from the teen- and technology During the last 12 agers that I see, is that
months with depression and anxiety on the rise in adolescents and teens, I began to ask my clients what they thought most contributed to their depression and anxiety and almost 100% stated that it was social media. I was not surprised though it did surprise me that these teens were so honest. Children need and even long for appropriate boundaries around the things that will protect them. Parents need to take the issue of social media and technology freedoms seriously and come up with a plan that works for your family. Limiting access to potential harmful sites and the drama that they create is of utmost importance for our children’s emotional well being and mental health wellness.
Create a good nutrition plan According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, children who eat a complete breakfast have been shown to work faster, make fewer mistakes and show improved focus, alertness, comprehension and memory. Many teen-agers are not ready to eat so early in the morning, but parents can still plan well to provide the kinds of healthy snacks they can take with them to school to eat when they are hungry. I have found that as a parent, if I planned well for meals, I would execute well. Otherwise, it was grab and go and fast food, which is not sustainable for children. Much of mental health wellness is found in the
daily habits we set for our children.
Encourage solid friendships and activity Isolation and lack of activity have been problematic for all of us during this past pandemic year, with many children tentative and anxious about reconnecting with friends and activities. It is imperative to our children’s mental health to cultivate face-to-face contact in friendships and be involved in the comradery of sports and activities. It is in the context of real relationships that our children grow in self esteem, self confidence and feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Parents need to support and encourage this more that ever as children may protest out of fear and anxiety. Let’s be proactive this year to attend not only to our children’s physical health and well-being, but also to their emotional and mental health. For the parents, I encourage you to pay attention, look for signs, engage in good conversations and if you or anyone in your family needs help with their mental health, please reach out to a doctor or therapist. Nancy A. Johnson, EdD, LMHC, President of Orlando Counseling Specialists 3662 Avalon Park E. Blvd. Suite 2021 Orlando, FL 32828 407-902-9250
