Read the article that appeared in the August 2022 edition of the Front Porch magazine:
The new school year is fast approaching, which feels hard to believe. The back-to-school season is often challenging for various reasons for students, families, and school staff. Not to mention during a pandemic that is still happening! To protect our mental health during this transition, self-care – and knowing how to care for others – is more important than ever.
Mental Health America publishes a Back to School Toolkit every year with useful resources and information for students, parents, and teachers. At the time I am writing this, the 2022 toolkit has not yet been released, but you can view previous years’ toolkits at MHAnational.org/back2school.
Our country is experiencing a mental health crisis. Most alarmingly, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among youth ages 11-17 continue to increase. Especially in times of transition such as the return to school, it is crucial that adults and youth stay educated and watch for signs of mental health challenges.
In my role at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg, I offer free presentations to schools and other youth organizations about the signs of mental health conditions (including suicide) and how to get help for someone you know. Presentations are available for students, school staff, and parents. I believe that knowing what the red (or even yellow) flags are can be essential to saving someone’s life.
Across multiple mental health conditions, these are some of the common signs and symptoms* to look out for:
- Problems with concentration, memory, or ability to think clearly
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or worthless
- Loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy
- Excessive worry
- Irritability or restlessness
- Changes in sleep
- Angry outbursts
- Not wanting to be around people or take part in activities)
`*Borrowed from MHA 2020 Back to School Toolkit (MHAnational.org/back2school)
If you notice that someone you know is showing these signs, it could mean that they need help. Free and confidential mental health screenings are available online at MHAScreening.org, where MHA suggests next steps based on your responses.
If there are serious signs that someone you know may be considering suicide or harming others, get help immediately. Call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline that launched nationwide on July 16.
If you are looking for a local mental health provider or want to learn more about MHAfred’s programs, call Mental Health America of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-2704 or visit our website at mhafred.org.
Anne-Tillery Melson is the Suicide Prevention Education Coordinator at Mental Health America of Fredericksburg.