Back To School

Anxiety, Emotional Health, Mental Health, Support

August 27, 2024

It’s that time of year.

 

Whether your kiddos are just beginning school or heading off to graduate school – moms all over the world are feeling the feels.

 

(I must point out that my mom had absolutely no feels. No joke. She threw a party. Ok – maybe not an actual, literal party. But in no way, shape or form was she sad. Ever!)

I digress.

For weeks, it’s been commercials about back to school shopping. Notebooks and supplies. College dorm necessities.

 

What about emotional necessities?

 

We live in a world that shies away from emotional well being. And this is a huge problem – because our emotional well being is as important as our physical well being.

College freshmen across the country were surveyed about their emotions as they begin their new transition.
 

Over 65% reported anxiety, and over 40% reported severe anxiety. A resounding 77% reported a desire to have more emotional support on campus.

NEWSFLASH: you and your kids have rights! And just because we live in a world that glamorizes “positive” emotions and ignores or stigmatizes so called “negative” emotions doesn’t mean they’re not valid.
 
The world has it backwards.
 
Here’s the thing. Emotions – all emotions – are feelings. It’s the world that attaches a positive or negative association.
 

The real issue is ignoring and avoiding any emotions. So as we head into the 2024-2025 school year, here are some must knows for you and your kids:

 
 1. Support isn’t just available, it’s your right.
 
You can set up whatever support your child may need. I encourage all of my clients to allow this plan to be put in place. It’s better to have it and not need it than to not have it in times of need!
 
Middle school or graduate school – you have rights!
 
 
2. Find a staff member your child feels safe with and connected to.
 
Again – this might be something you never need, but it’s better to have a plan in place. This alone can relieve a great deal of anxiety!
 
Who / where will your child go to if they’re not feeling ok?
 
Knowing that you can go to your favorite teacher’s classroom or your counselors office or even just being allowed to get up and move around in approved locations can also relieve anxiety.
 
You don’t have to feel as alone in whatever you’re going through. You can go to the person / place you feel safest!
 
 
 3, Set up a safety plan.
 
You know I’ll start with saying this might be something you never need. It’s much better to have things in place that you won’t need than it is to set them up in a crisis.
 
Who will you go to and who should they call. What should they say and not say.
 
This doesn’t only refer you to an actual crisis. I can’t eat first thing in the morning. I need a few hours.
 
I had permission to eat at school so I didn’t have to wait until lunch. It’s about helping everyone succeed, and that can mean eating or taking a test verbally rather than written or in a private location rather than a crowded classroom.
 
 
4. Don’t wait for an issue. Let your concerns be known!
 
Gone are the days of teachers actively being involved with families. I think it should be required, but it’s not up to me.
 
Don’t wait for report cards or a phone call that there’s an issue. Connect. Let your concerns be known.
 
Better yet – know who to go to and the chain of command. You can ALWAYS enlist the support of an advocate.
 
 
5. Include your child in these conversations.
 
You probably know most of what needs to be communicated to staff. But your child knows everything that needs to be communicated.
 
Ask their input.
 
Involve them in the process!
 
 
We don’t all learn the same way. It’s up to our teachers and schools to make adjustments. And they will when you speak up. Unfortunately, it’s rarely volunteered.
 
Are you in a position to do more at your school? Field trips are amazing, but it’s time to think about your mental wellness budget!
 
Look for volunteers like myself willing to do trainings specifically designed for you and your team.
 
The numbers speak for themselves. Students are begging for this support. Let’s meet their needs and change the way this world views mental illness!
 
 And remember, you can reach out anytime: sam@samantharuth.com


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *