Mental health effects of going back to school
(KION-TV)- Kids are heading back to classrooms and getting ready for another school year.
Along with getting to see some of their old friends, there could be some other feelings your child is experiencing according to Noemi Gomez from the Monterey County of Behavioral Health.
“With any transition, such as going back to school, starting at a new school or even going to junior college or college, there can be feelings of nervousness, excitement and anxiety,” Gomez said.
As a parent it’s normal to feel the same emotions as your child. But Gomez says it’s best to keep yourself grounded.
“Just being aware of your breathing and how deep it is,” Gomez said. “So that way you're regulated to be able to take on what's to come for that first day of school in the beginning of the school year.”
But what about when the students are on campus? Dr. Deneen Guss of the Monterey County Office Of Education explained some of the resources that are available on all campuses. including something called the…
“Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports, also known as PBIS,” Dr. Guss said. “That particular framework provides support for young people at various tiers. So, for example, the lowest tier would support that all young people are able to access each and every day at school.”
What if the student asks for more help?
“Students get additional support,” Dr. Guss said. “If that support is needed, for example, they might access the school counseling services, if that would best meet the need.”
If they're in the third tier, behavioral health counselors will come in to help the student and family.
But even with these resources, Gomez says the students themselves are the key factor in helping their mental health.
“Understand what is healthy and what is not. And of course that will be with support from an adult, whether that's a parent or a teacher. So understanding what to look for, to know that, hey, that's something that I need to speak out,” Gomez said. “If they're noticing that it's bringing them down to reach out to a trusted adult parent, teacher as soon as they can, and knowing that it's difficult and that even though it is difficult that you're not alone and that you can get help.”
If you’d like to see some of the resources available, click on the link below for more information:
