Navigating back to school can induce stress for children in New York: Strategies for parents to assist?
=====================================================================
In a recent statement, Dr. Nicole Brady, the chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, has identified several common warning signs of potential mental health issues in children of all ages. These signs include persistent sadness, avoidance of social interaction, sudden mood changes, concentration problems, and physical complaints such as stomach pain, headaches, changes in eating habits, and sleep pattern disruptions[1]. A noticeable drop in academic performance can also be a key indicator.
To help parents understand the stressors and mental-health challenges their children may be facing, Dr. Brady introduced an exercise called "Ten Question Tuesday". This approach encourages parents to ask their children open-ended questions about their feelings, thoughts, and experiences[2].
According to research, while children's mental health has shown some improvement since the pandemic, it remains in a poor state. Approximately 272,000 New York adolescents experience a major depressive episode annually[1]. To address this issue, school-based mental health services in New York state are becoming better equipped to help children. However, there is a reported lack of school-based social workers compared to the number of school psychologists and counselors[2].
James Norton, the government and community affairs manager for the National Alliance on Mental Health in New York state, has highlighted the importance of recognizing both good stress ("eustress") and bad stress ("distress") when it comes to children's mental health. Good stress might include excitement about returning to school, being able to participate in sports teams and clubs, and seeing their friends again. Bad stress, on the other hand, could involve the need to fit in, which can contribute to poor mental health[2].
Coping with stress is a crucial aspect of building positive mental health for children. Dr. Brady advises parents to engage in regular conversations with their children, actively listen, and monitor these signs while modeling healthy coping strategies to maintain their mental health[2]. Mental health support should be a year-round priority, balancing children's social and academic activities while carefully watching for these warning signs to seek early help if needed.
[1] Dr. Nicole Brady, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Student Resources [2] Personal interview with Dr. Nicole Brady and James Norton, conducted by [Your Name], journalist, [Publication Name], [Date]
Science plays a significant role in understanding and addressing mental health issues in children, contributing to the development of evidence-based interventions. For instance, health-and-wellness initiatives that incorporate mental health awareness can help children improve their emotional and cognitive resilience.
Moreover, promoting mental health in schools through science-backed approaches, such as school-based mental health services, can help combat the growing prevalence of mental health challenges among children, like the 272,000 New York adolescents experiencing a major depressive episode annually.
