Amelia Grant

Students may experience a range of pleasant and negative emotions as they return to school after the summer break. For example, they may feel happy to see their friends yet be concerned about their grades or being bullied, among other stressors.

Students' general mental health is deteriorating. In this guide, we'll explain why mental health is important and offer practical ideas to help students and caregivers have a good school year.

Why Mental Health Matters

According to a study published in the journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development, mental health predicts academic and adult achievement. The findings indicated that mental health has a significant impact on academic achievement. According to the report, children with mental health difficulties are more likely to have negative educational outcomes such as bad grades, reading delays, repeating years, and dropping out of school.

Mental Health Challenges Students Face and Their Symptoms

Back-to-school jitters are normal, but the CDC advises that severe feelings of anxiety and despair may indicate a diagnosable disease. If you are concerned about your child's anxiety, social anxiety, or depression, consult a school counselor or a psychotherapy center in your area to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Anxiety

According to the CDC, school-age children who continue to experience fear that interferes with social interactions and academic performance may be labeled with anxiety. Look for the following symptoms:

• Sweating
• Pounding heart
• Shallow, fast breathing
• Shakiness
• Dizziness

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can develop in children who are afraid of unfamiliar circumstances. They may have severe shyness or avoid their peers. In extreme circumstances, they may cease talking altogether, a condition known as selective mutism. Other signs of social anxiety include headaches, nausea, and stomachaches.

Depression

Depression is more than just melancholy. Depression can develop when children feel helpless or hopeless consistently. Additional symptoms include the following:

• Irritability
• Not being able to maintain attention during school
• Disinterest in doing fun things or not enjoying them
• Eating too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Low energy and feeling sluggish
• High energy and feeling restless
• Self-injury
• Sadness
• Self-destructive behavior

Fear of School

According to Stanford Medicine, excessive dread of school, known as scolionophobia, can cause some youngsters to skip school. Some youngsters may be stressed due to a recent transfer, school change, the death of a family member, or divorce. Others may have a perceived fear of school due to safety concerns.

Some children dread physical harm on the bus to and from school, as well as an attack during the school day. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 5% of children aged 12 to 18 expressed fear of danger at school.

Children may also fear emotional injury, such as perceived meanness from their instructor, bullying, and social anxiety while interacting with peers.

Back-to-School Mental Health Issues in the Household

Academic difficulties can lead to strain in your household. Excessive academic demands from parents and instructors can raise the probability of child-parent conflict and potentially worsen a student's bad behavior.

Finding the correct method to help your child flourish in and out of the classroom requires a delicate balance. Regular check-ins with your child are beneficial for determining how they are doing academically, socially, and emotionally.

It is critical to help your child cope with their feelings in healthy ways. You can accomplish this by listening to and acknowledging their emotions, and encouraging them to express themselves through language, art, music, or other creative activities.

Healthy Habits That Support Mental Wellness

In addition to regular check-ins with your child, establishing certain healthy behaviors will help your family transition into a back-to-school routine. Sticking to them can help you feel better all year.

Nutrition

Eating a well-balanced meal and staying hydrated are essential for preparing your student for success.

Healthy dietary options to ensure pupils have a well-rounded diet include:

• Colorful entire fruits and vegetables.
• Fat-free or low-fat milk and plenty of water
• A selection of seeds, nuts, and beans
• Whole grain bread.

Movement

Children who move during the day, whether through recess or team sports, are better prepared to succeed in the classroom.

Sleep

Good sleep quality is essential for maintaining your mental health. Inadequate sleep might harm your mood. A steady sleep schedule allows students to get through their busy days.

Scheduling

Children thrive when they understand what their expectations are throughout the day. Maintaining a steady routine can make your youngster feel more in control and less worried.