Intermountain Children’s Health advises on back-to-school emotional wellness

SALT LAKE CITY — Children’s health experts say one in five kids struggle with mental and emotional disorders, a challenge that often worsens during back-to-school season.

Intermountain  Children’s Health reports that last year, 43% of students who felt hopeless or suicidal didn’t talk about it with anyone. 

“Children naturally feel anxious when school starts. It’s really important to talk to your kids about their feelings,” said Director of Pediatric Behavioral Health Ashley Schlaich. 

Schlaich says the key warning signs of emotional distress include mood changes, social withdrawal, and persistent difficulties coping.

Back-to-school emotional toolkit

Intermountain Children’s Health described a “toolkit” with suggestions on how to help children deal with mental and emotional disorders while going back to school. 

Some suggestions include:

• Creating routines.
• Modeling enthusiasm about school.
• Helping children anticipate what to expect by walking them to the bus stop or visiting the school in advance.
• Talking about the day in a validating way.

Another Intermountain Children’s Health resource includes a free in-home response team of therapists that are a phone call away.

They also provide a downloadable tool called “Talk to Tweens.” This is meant to help parents and teachers start conversations with children about the challenges that arise as they become teenagers. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

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