Back to School can be an exciting time but as the school year begins, young people may feel anxious and stressed about the upcoming year. The past few years have been challenging for everyone, and young people have been particularly hard hit. Social anxiety, fear of bullying, and time pressures of the school day all have a significant impact on youth mental health. Student social skills are often behind grade level following the social isolation over the prior few years, and many students are still struggling to adjust to the new normal.
If you are a parent, it is important to be vigilant about your children’s mental health, especially during the back-to-school period. See our tips below, or call the Center for Family Services for help at 561-616-1222. We have a range of programs to support the mental health of parents, children, and families, at this time and every day.
If you are a young person who is struggling with your mental health, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Please reach out to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. You can also reach the community helpline and crisis hotline by dialing 211 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 any time, day or night. You don’t need to be in crisis to call.
The Center for Family Services is dedicated to equipping young individuals with the tools they need to flourish emotionally, and to providing parents with support to help their children. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on youth mental health during this crucial time of the year.
We are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
With care,
p.s. If you’d like to donate and make a gift to the Center in honor or in memory of a great father, we can email an acknowledgement to the recipient letting them know that a gift was made in their honor for Father’s Day. Be sure to leave a note with the name and email address in the message field or contact Ellen Vaughan at evaughan@ctrfam.org if you’d like to arrange recognition for a gift.
Here are some tips for supporting youth mental health back to school:
Talk to your child about their feelings. It’s important to create a safe space for your child to talk about their worries and concerns. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them.
Help your child develop coping mechanisms. There are many healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones. Help your child find coping mechanisms that work for them.
Encourage your child to get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for mental health. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep each night.
Make sure your child is eating a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help improve mood and energy levels.
Encourage your child to get involved in activities they enjoy. Having fun and engaging in activities they enjoy can help young people cope with stress and anxiety.
Be a positive role model. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Model healthy coping mechanisms and behaviors for your child.
Observe Behavior Changes: Keep an eye out for significant changes in behavior, such as sudden mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest in hobbies, or declining academic performance.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, please reach out to a mental health professional (such as our staff here at the Center) for help. There is no shame in seeking help, and it’s important to get your child the support they need.
Be A Change Maker
As the new school year begins, we stand together in supporting the mental health of our children.
Your support is instrumental in making a difference in the lives of our youth. By contributing to Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, you are directly involved in creating a brighter future for the community
Please visit our website for more information, or contact Ellen Vaughan at evaughan@ctrfam.org if you are interested in making an investment in our youth mental health programs,
Thank you for being a beacon of hope for the youth in our community.