When I was young I hated going back to school and leaving summer vacation behind. I was looking forward to the new year, wondering what friends I would have in my class and what teacher I would have. Then I would worry about hypothetical tests and projects where I knew I would fail. There was so much heaviness when school came around, erasing all the calmness I had gained that summer.
I can’t imagine what it’s like to be a kid now. They are dealing with much more: the pandemic, the trauma of frequent school shootings, and the rise in bullying. It’s scary, and it’s something that none of our generations have seen before.
So here’s what I’m going to do with my future 2nd grader and kindergartener to help with the transition. I hope it helps our collective mental health.
- We are going back to our school routine, ie getting up earlier, getting dressed first thing in the morning and having breakfast (a little healthy).
- We’ll talk about what makes you nervous. Both of my children have new teachers this year, so I know that is a source of anxiety. I’ll let them know we can talk about that and anything else that’s bothering them.
- Empathize with my children. I need to listen and show empathy. I will try not to ignore your feelings; instead, I will validate your worries and concerns.
- I will encourage my children to talk about their fears or how their day went, but I will not bother them. I will also give you tips on how to take care of yourself and healthy coping skills and how you can help your stress levels.
- I’ll be there When my kids get home, I’ll put my work away, put my phone away, and focus on them. They may want alone time to relax, but they will know that I am available at any time.
I hope others will join me in making room for their children’s mental health; It’s not just my children who are affected. A survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) finds that an overwhelming number of parents support mental health education in schools and “mental health days” for their children.
Plus:For children, taking a ‘Mental Health Day’ makes a difference. This is why.
In the survey, parents noted that their children felt increased feelings during the pandemic, including:
• anxious (20%) • irritated (19%) • sad (14%) • unable to concentrate (13%) • less interested in social activities (12%) • out of control (10%)
It’s important to note that most parents reported little change in their children’s activities and behaviors since the pandemic began, but those who reported changes saw more negative behavior. His children said:
• spend more time in front of screens (41%) • participate less in school activities (37%) • play games or exercise less (25%) • sleep less (16%)
It is a difficult time for all of us, but our children must come first. If you notice that your child’s behavior changes, seek help. You can start with your child’s doctor or guidance counselor. Below you will find signs of anxiety in children. I wish you all a happy school year. I just hope I can get through my son’s kindergarten year without crying. Take care, my friends.
Signs of Anxiety in Children (NAMI.org)• Appearing clingier than usual • Restless and restless • Complaining of stomach pains • Changes in eating and sleeping habits • Expressing negative thoughts or worries • Getting upset or angry more quickly • Having unexplained crying spells • Struggling to concentrate
For over 20 years, Heather Loeb has experienced major depression, anxiety, and a personality disorder, while battling mental health stigma. She is the creator of Unruly Neurons (www.unrulyneurons.com), a blog dedicated to normalizing depression and a member of State Representative Todd Hunter’s Task Force on Suicide Prevention.
MENTAL ISSUES
Now more than ever we need to take care of our mental health. Guest columnist Heather Loeb explains why and explores other important mental health topics in this special series.