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How to address anxiety and mental health concerns as students return to school
BC Children’s Hospital says returning to school can be a major stressor, and families should seek early community support when concerns arise.
With summer break over and students back in class, BC Children’s Hospital is raising awareness about severe anxiety and mental health concerns in children. Acute-care pediatrician Dr. Tom McLaughlin says returning to school can be one of the biggest stressors and transitions of childhood.
Most children can manage the school year with support from parents and teachers, McLaughlin said. But some may need an emergency-room visit. Families should seek emergency care if they have concerns about their child’s safety or someone else’s safety, or if a child is struggling with regular activities. Depression, anxiety and changes in eating can all be warning signs, he said.
McLaughlin also urged families to monitor children’s physical well-being, particularly exercise and sleep. Moving from a summer sleep schedule to an earlier bedtime can be difficult.
Experts say hospital-based clinical intervention should be a last resort, with early community-led support serving as the first line of defence. Foundry BC provides free, confidential health and wellness support for school-aged youth aged 12 and older, which can help prevent difficulties during the transition into the school year from escalating into a medical emergency.
Foundry co-executive director Steve Mathias said the organization is available seven days a week through 20 centres across B.C., as well as online. Young people and their families should not have to be in crisis to receive help, he said. The centres are intended to help youth work through issues such as challenging relationships with new friends, classmates or a new teacher they dislike.
Foundry also supports caregivers with advice about speaking with teens. McLaughlin encouraged families to discuss daily stresses and anxiety openly, including by asking children how they feel, whether they are stressed and how school is going.
Foundry BC offers further information about its services. As it is not a crisis service, people needing additional mental-health or crisis support can call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 988, call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 310-6789, or text “CONNECT” to 686868 or call 1-800-668-6868 for Kids Help Phone.