As the last days of summer slowly morph into the early days of fall, we wistfully transition from relaxed schedules and routines and family vacations to the often hectic beginnings of another school year.  The start of any school year can be anxiety-inducing for students and parents alike, and given all that has transpired between the global pandemic and transitioning back to in-person learning, returning to school may be particularly challenging for many students this year.

In an effort to ease this transition, we thought it might be helpful to know what our clinicians have been seeing and hearing with children and adolescents related to both academic and social/emotional learning.  

Kristen Nagl, PMHNP-BC shared that many kids are feeling “disconnected” from their peers and adults.  Virtual learning kept many kids isolated at a time when they would normally learn so much from social interaction, and many have lost the ability to connect with friends.  Preteens and teenagers (11-18) are already prone to some of these struggles due to different rates of growth in the emotional and logical parts of the brain during adolescence.  Kristen also mentioned that kids and teens are feeling “judged” by their peers and other adults, and this sometimes causes further isolation and anxiety.  Additionally, returning to work in the office, supply chain/workforce issues, and rising inflation have increased parents’ stress levels, which in turn, can add to the stress and anxiety many kids are already experiencing returning to school.

So, how are these emotions presenting in kids and teens? Many parents are reaching out to our mental health providers because their children are experiencing behavioral issues inside and out of the classroom, anxiety, threats or instances of self-harm, self-isolation (staying in their rooms for long periods of time other than for sleeping), appetite issues (both increases and decreases), and somatic symptoms like headaches or stomaches that keep them home or in the nurse’s office.

When asked how parents can help mitigate some of these challenges, Kristen recommended spending some quality time with your children and teens, both as a family and individually.  Spending time free from stress, technology, and distractions just talking to and getting to know your child can provide some much needed respite from both their and your stressful day-to-day routines.  Try taking a walk or hike, making an arts and crafts project, cooking or baking, or simply sharing some ice cream.  “Quality” time need not be elaborate, planned, or lengthy, but it might be helpful to set some parameters and expectations to avoid conflicts (no screens, frequency, days/times that work best, etc.).  This time shows your child that you enjoy and value her company, giving her confidence in her interactions with others.

Parents can also help their child by contacting a Synergy Strive mental health provider if they suspect he or she is struggling with anxiety, depression, or notices significant changes in behavior, appetite, moods, and overall physical health.  Synergy Strive’s clinicians are trained in multiple methods of talk therapy, and to diagnose and treat patients with psychopharmacology when needed.

We wish all students, parents, staff, and teachers a wonderful and productive school year!