The start of each school year brings new possibilities and unique challenges for the whole family. Transitions can be difficult for everyone, and between school supplies, new uniforms and shifting family schedules, it’s a lot for any parent to juggle.
We understand that sending your child off to school can be unnerving, especially considering today’s school environment looks much different than it did when you were young. We’re here to help arm you with the information you need to emotionally and mentally prepare your child for the school year ahead.
You don’t have to shoulder your child’s mental health alone. Contact us at 918-384-0002, or fill out the contact form and we'll be in touch with you soon.
How are children impacted by mental health?
America is experiencing a mental health crisis, and it’s impacting children, too: according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, yet many of them do not receive the help they need.
Mental health concerns for school-age children are compounded by bullying, which is rampant in schools and online: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property, and more than one in six high school students reported being bullied electronically in the last year. Bullying and cyberbullying are a form of youth violence, which has far-reaching effects on not only victims but also bullies and bystanders. Bullying can cause physical and emotional harm, and increases risk of depression, anxiety, academic issues, self-harm and suicide.
Signs to watch out for:
You know your child best. If you notice they’re persistently demonstrating any of the following behaviors, it may be an indicator of a mental health concern and it could be time to turn for help:
Extreme disobedience, aggression or destructive behaviors
Withdrawal from family, friends and activities they once enjoyed
Substance use or risky, unusual behavior
Visible, prolonged sadness
Deep aversion to going to school and/or frequently skipping school
Sleep disruptions, including insomnia and frequent nightmares
Sudden decrease in academic performance
It’s okay to need additional resources to help you support your child, and that’s where mental health professionals come in.
What can you do to help your child's mental health?
Most importantly, establish yourself as a safe space for your child by exercising compassion, demonstrating open communication and being an active listener. If your child feels comfortable talking to you about what they’re experiencing—from peer pressure to academic stress—you’ll be better equipped to help them navigate challenging times.
Getting involved at school can allow you to make critical connections with your child’s teachers, school administrators and counselors. Building out a support network for your child both at home and at school will give them more avenues to seek help if they need it.
If it all feels like too much, know that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. It’s okay to need additional resources to help you support your child, and that’s where mental health professionals come in.
How CTI-OK can help
If your child is struggling, we’re here to help. We provide services for families and children of all ages, from infants to teenagers and for parents and guardians.
We provide group and individual counseling and comprehensive treatment for a variety of psychiatric and behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD and autism.
Our services are individualized and age-appropriate, with group treatments addressing a variety of topics to maximize sensitivity and comprehensively address a patient’s needs. We offer counseling and classes designed to help deal with parenting, bullying issues, school behavior, self-esteem and more.
You don’t have to shoulder your child’s mental health alone. Contact us at 918-384-0002, or fill out the contact form and we'll be in touch with you soon.
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