Signs your child is struggling after returning to school

The emotional impact of returning to school

As the school year begins, children and teenagers often face a significant transition from the carefree days of summer to a structured school routine filled with new expectations and responsibilities. This transition can be particularly challenging, as it involves adjusting to new teachers, subjects, and social dynamics. For parents, the shift also includes juggling schedules, extracurricular activities, and household demands, all of which can put a strain on both mental well-being and focus.

This considerable change can disrupt the routine that you and your child might be accustomed to. Some families navigate this transition with relative ease, while others may encounter significant hurdles. Although it is common for children to experience some level of adjustment difficulty, persistent behavioral changes could signal a deeper concern that warrants attention.

Why mental health matters

As a parent, your innate desire is to see your child flourish and succeed, but witnessing signs that they may be struggling with their mental health can be daunting. You might find yourself questioning how to best respond to your child’s needs.

If you are worried about your child’s mental well-being, it’s important to seek guidance on how to approach the situation. Being proactive in addressing these challenges not only helps your child navigate the school year more effectively but also strengthens your family bond.

Recognize the signs

Identifying mental health challenges in children and adolescents is crucial, even when signs may be subtle. Increased awareness can lead to early detection, which is key to providing timely support and effective interventions, ultimately promoting healthier development.

Being aware of these signs and maintaining open lines of communication can help you better support your child or teen if they’re facing emotional or mental health challenges. If you notice several of these indicators persist over time, it might be worthwhile to consult a mental health professional for guidance and potential intervention.

Mental health warning signs in children

• Emotional outbursts: Children may exhibit frequent tantrums or show constant irritability. Their emotional responses might seem disproportionate to the situation at hand and occur more frequently than typical for their age.
• Persistent fear or anxiety: A child may seem excessively fearful or experience heightened levels of worry about various situations. This could manifest as a reluctance to participate in activities that they otherwise enjoyed or an avoidance of certain environments due to anxiety.
• Physical complaints: Pay attention if they frequently complain of stomachaches or headaches. These physical symptoms can often be psychosomatic, stemming from underlying anxiety or emotional distress rather than a physical illness.
• Hyperactivity or restlessness: Some children might display constant motion, finding it challenging to sit still unless they are engaged in activities they truly enjoy, such as watching their favorite videos or playing a specific game. This restlessness can be a sign of underlying anxiety or hyperactivity.
• Disrupted sleep patterns: Children may either struggle with insomnia, displaying a consistent lack of sleep, or conversely, sleep excessively. They may experience recurrent nightmares or appear drowsy throughout the day, which could indicate underlying stress or other mental health concerns.
• Social difficulties: Notice if the child has trouble making friends or shows little to no interest in interacting with peers. They may prefer to play alone, avoiding group activities or social settings.
• Repetitive behaviors: Some children may engage in compulsive actions, such as repeatedly checking things multiple times (for instance, making sure a door is locked) due to irrational fears that something terrible might occur if they don’t check.

Mental health warning signs in teens 

• Withdrawing from friends or activities: Notice if your once socially active teen begins to isolate themselves from friends or loses interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed. This self-isolation can be a major indicator of emotional distress.
• Recurrent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or dread: If your child frequently expresses feelings of sadness or anxiety, or if they seem overwhelmed by a sense of dread concerning school or social situations.
• Substance use: Engaging in alcohol or drug use is a concerning behavior that can stem from seeking relief from emotional distress or trying to cope with issues they’re facing.
• Declining grades: A sudden drop in academic performance can be a troubling sign. If your child is having trouble concentrating or completing assignments, they may be dealing with more than just academic pressures.
• Trouble sleeping: Changes in sleep patterns, whether insomnia or excessive sleeping, can be a red flag. Poor sleep can greatly affect mood and cognitive function.
• Hearing things or feeling controlled: If your teen expresses thoughts that someone is trying to manipulate or control their mind, or if they mention hearing voices that are not audible to others, these could be symptoms.. It’s important to approach the subject gently, encouraging open dialogue, without judgment, to help them feel safe discussing their experiences.
• Decreased appetite: A noticeable shift in eating habits—such as loss of appetite or significant changes in weight—may point to underlying issues.
• Periods of elevated energy. They require significantly less sleep than normal without showing signs of exhaustion or experiencing unusually high energy levels, where they are exceptionally active, talkative, or impulsive.
• Increased irritability or mood Swings: Frequent irritability or unexpected emotional outbursts can indicate that your child is struggling internally.
• Engaging in risky behavior: If your child begins to engage in dangerous activities or risky behaviors that they wouldn’t ordinarily consider, it’s essential to address these actions promptly.
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: Any mention of self-harm or suicidal ideation must be taken seriously and addressed immediately. It’s crucial to seek professional help right away.
• Harming others: If your child expresses thoughts of causing harm to others, this behavior should be taken very seriously, and immediate action is required.

How to talk to your child or teen about mental health

One of the most effective ways to gauge your teen’s mental health is by initiating a conversation. Approach the topic of mental health with openness and honesty, creating a safe space for your child to express their feelings.

Here are some tips for starting that important dialogue:

1. Actively listen: Demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in what your child is saying. Avoid distractions, make eye contact, and rephrase what they’re saying to show them that you’re listening and understand what they’re saying. Validate their feelings and let them know you are there to support them.
2. Avoid negative reactions: Responding with anger, defensiveness, or judgment can shut down communication. Ensure your approach is compassionate, allowing your child to feel secure in sharing their thoughts.
3. Avoid stigmatizing language: Using derogatory terms such as “crazy” to describe mental health can alienate your child. Instead, normalize struggles by discussing mental health openly and positively.
4. Be empathetic: Avoid minimizing their concerns or making excuses for their behavior. It’s crucial to take their feelings seriously.
5. Encourage solutions: Ask your teen if they have considered what they might need to feel better. Help them feel empowered by reminding them that many young people experience mental health challenges, and that support is available.
6. Seek treatment. If you notice persistent signs that your teen may need help, taking action becomes paramount. Early intervention can significantly improve your child’s quality of life.

Mental health treatment options for children and teens

Partnering with a mental health professional is a step in understanding your child or teen’s emotional landscape. If you’ve noticed changes during significant transitions, such as moving to a new home or school or experiencing separation from a parent, these feelings and behaviors may be tied to those shifts. A professional assessment can provide insights, helping to determine if your child’s emotions and behaviors are responses to these changes or if they indicate a need for behavioral health treatment.

Here are some effective treatment options that may be recommended:

Psychotherapy. Engaging in one-on-one therapy allows children and teens to explore specific challenges in a safe and supportive environment. This process helps individuals build skills that can help them thrive. When appropriate, parents or caregivers can be involved, and sessions can be conducted either in-person or online. Together with a therapist, a personalized treatment plan can be crafted to meet your child’s needs.

Medications. For some youth experiencing clinical diagnoses, medications may be prescribed to address particular symptoms.

Residential treatment.  For adolescents needing more intensive support for mental health challenges, substance use, or co-occurring disorders, residential treatment offers a safe and structured environment. In these settings, teens benefit from around-the-clock care and support, setting them on a positive path forward.

Why choose Rosecrance Therapies

As a parent, one of the most beneficial actions you can take for your child’s well-being is to facilitate access to mental health resources. Keep communication open, be supportive, and work collaboratively to find the best solutions for your teen’s mental health needs.

At Rosecrance Therapies, we provide a range of services for children and teens in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. We specialize in child and adolescent mental health and substance use treatment.

Our services include:

• Outpatient therapy
• Psychiatric services
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Medication management
• Residential treatment
• Sober living support
• Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression