A new school year offers opportunities for learning, growth, and socialization. But for some students, teachers and parents, back to school can also cause anxiety and other mental health challenges.
Join the Anti-Stigma Coalition for a Facebook Live on Thursday, September 26 at 3 PM to discuss strategies and resources to help a mentally health school year Panelists include Carlos Alvarez, school principal, Emerson High School; Anne Nowak, director of Sweet Home School District Family Support Center; Emma Telesco, 4th Grade teacher, Salamanca City School District; and Melissa Walter, Director of Child and Adolescent Services, Horizon Health Services.
Parents Face Mental Health Challenges
Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General released advisory highlighting the urgent need to better support parents, caregivers, and families.
The new report found that over the last decade, parents report high levels of stress compared to other adults. In fact, 33 percent of parents reported experiencing high stress compared to 20 percent of other adults.
Nowak says it important to provide support for parents, especially at the start of a new school year. It can be challenging to transition to school structure after a summer schedule.
Parents have concerns that if they say their child is struggling, that will mean I’m a bad parent or “less than.” This couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Anne Nowak
Director of Sweet home School District Family support Center
With my daughter starting school, I am sensing the pressure and self-doubt beginning to build. ‘Did I choose the right school?’ ‘Did I prepare her properly over the summer?’ ‘Is she too stressed?’ ‘How many activities should she be in?’ ‘How do I make sure she is making friends and being kind?’ ‘Is she safe?’ ‘Did I forget something important?’ ‘Is she telling me everything that is going on at school?’. The list goes on and on.”
Kimberly Stacy
Associate Creative Director
Telesco creative group
Their children may experience separation anxiety, social anxiety or school avoidance. She encourages parents to keep the lines of communication open, rather than waiting for a crisis to talk with their child about their mental health.
“I always encourage parents to give themselves grace – every child is different, and you know your child best,” she said.
Parents whose children are just starting school often experience a range of emotions.
“As the parent of a new Kindergartener, my anxiety is at an all-time high,” said Kimberly E. Stacy, associate creative director, Telesco Creative Group. “My daughter has been in daycare since she was little, but going from constant communication, check-ins, and photo updates to waving goodbye to a school bus—driven by a stranger—and then seven hours of radio-silence is a big adjustment.
“Her love of school helps ease my mind, but there is always a worry in the back of my mind.”
Encouraging Positive Mental Health Practices for Teachers
The National Institute of Health reports that teachers’ mental health can be affected by heavy workloads, feelings of injustice, low pay, lack of administrative support, unsatisfactory teaching environment and facilities, limited staffing, and lack of mental health training.
Teachers are encouraged to practice self-care and take advantage of EAP programs.
Mental Health First Aid offers ideas for teachers and their back-to-school mental health. Incorporate breathing, meditation and other techniques into your day, communicate to administrators the need for support, get outside for exercise and fresh air, and establish peer-support programs.
Support groups can encourage teachers and staff to be open with peers and this can help eliminate the stigma of mental illness.
Emma Telesco is a 4th grade teacher in Salamanca.
“A huge part in taking care of my mental wellness comes with letting go. Overthinking can hinder lots of teachers ability, which is why being flexible is huge in this career,” she said. “I have always been a perfectionist and would really struggle as a child if everything was not up to my expectation.
“I have really worked hard on knowing that it is okay to make mistakes and that it is normal to not be ‘perfect’. That is what my students have taught me. I tell them this constantly and do not feel right teaching it without practicing it. I strive to practice what I preach and look at the beginning of the school year like one of my 4th graders.”
