UnityPoint Health Mental Health Experts Urge Families to Watch for Warning Signs This School Year

UnityPoint Health Mental Health Experts Urge Families to Watch for Warning Signs This School Year

As school districts prepare to reopen, local mental health providers are encouraging families to pay attention to how the transition may affect children and teenagers' emotional well-being and ability to engage at school.

With the back-to-school transition often bringing heightened stress and anxiety for children and teenagers, clinical professionals from UnityPoint Health are encouraging families to proactively address youth mental health, establish open communication and monitor for key warning signs of emotional distress early in the school year.

"It's completely normal for children to experience a mix of excitement and anxiety as the school year starts," said Marielle Lowell, manager of outpatient behavioral health at Meriter. "However, when stress begins to disrupt a child's daily functioning, early intervention and professional support become critical."

While brief adjustment periods are standard during the first few weeks of school, experts encourage parents to watch for persistent shifts in behavior or mood, including:

• Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches without a clear medical cause.
• Behavioral Changes: Increased irritability, persistent sadness, or difficulty concentrating on homework or activities.
• Sleep Disruptions: Trouble falling asleep, frequent nightmares, or drastic changes in sleep schedules.
• Social Withdrawal: Loss of interest in favorite extracurriculars or pulling away from friends and family.
• Academic Shifts: Sudden drops in classroom performance or an inability to focus.

It's important to normalize conversations about mental health and encourage healthy habits for all ages.

Use age-appropriate language when discussing mental health. For younger children, you might say, "Sometimes our brains need a little help just like our bodies do when we're sick." For older children, you might discuss mental health in terms of "stress" and "coping skills" or explain that it's okay to speak with a counselor if they feel stuck.

Helping your child develop healthy coping strategies can reduce anxiety and promote emotional resilience. Teach them about and encourage them to try deep breathing, journaling or physical activity to manage stress. A healthy balance of school, play, rest and connection with family can go a long way in supporting your child's mental health throughout the school year.

If you notice these changes, it's important to have a conversation with your child's school and consider seeking the guidance of a mental health professional. For families requiring additional support, specialized resources are available. Many UnityPoint Health locations offer inpatient and intensive outpatient services for children and adolescents experiencing a range of mental health concerns. Parents concerned about their child's mental health are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to explore referral options.

"It's completely normal for children to experience a mix of excitement and anxiety as the school year starts. However, when stress begins to disrupt a child's daily functioning, early intervention and professional support become critical."

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