For parents and guardians, recognizing and addressing mental health issues in their children can be daunting. As the new school year begins, many students experience heightened stress and anxiety, making the transition particularly challenging. However, experts like Dr. Mandie Svatek, a seasoned pediatric professional and Professor of Pediatrics at UT Health – San Antonio, offer valuable guidance to help navigate this critical period.
The Growing Concern of Childhood Mental Health
Over the past 15 years, Dr. Svatek has observed a significant rise in the prominence of childhood mental health issues. According to the 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report, nearly 20% of children and young people ages 3-17 in the United States are affected by mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorders. This statistic highlights the importance of paying attention to the mental well-being of students, especially as they return to school.
Dr. Svatek emphasizes that anxiety is a common concern among students as they head back to the classroom. “We talk about students and going back to school and having this anxiety component, and that can be a spectrum,” she explains. For some children, social anxiety can make re-entering the school environment particularly difficult, as they may struggle with the pressures of socializing or the general stress associated with school life.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the mental health challenges faced by children. From March to October 2020, emergency department visits for mental health reasons surged by 24% among children aged 5-11 and by 31% among teenagers aged 12-17. This alarming increase, reported by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Children’s Hospital Association, underscores the growing need for mental health support.
However, addressing mental health issues is not always straightforward. Dr. Svatek notes that many children may not feel comfortable opening up to their parents or guardians about their struggles. This discomfort can make it difficult for parents to recognize when their child is in distress, further complicating the process of providing the necessary support.
The Role of Schools and the Challenges They Face
Schools are often seen as a natural place for children to seek help, but this option may only sometimes be readily available. A troubling report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) reveals that 593 school districts in Texas lack a school psychologist or only offer limited telephone-based services. Dr. Svatek points out the significance of this resource gap, explaining, “Children spend the majority of their time once school starts at school. If they don’t have that resource there, then sometimes it’s dependent upon the teacher to recognize that this child may be going through something difficult.”
How Parents Can Support Their Children
Despite these challenges, there are simple yet effective ways for parents to approach and support their children. Dr. Svatek suggests starting by finding out what is bothering the child. “Sit and talk with them about their concerns,” she advises, “and then think about how they can get through that. What are the next steps if they have these concerns, and how can they work through them?”
In conclusion, as the new school year begins, parents and guardians must be proactive in addressing their children’s mental health. By being aware of the potential challenges and taking steps to offer support, they can help ensure a smoother, healthier transition back to school.