Ohio parents reminded to check on students' mental health

By Brett Peveto

Back to school is often a time of anxiety for students of all ages and experts are reminding Ohio parents to check on kids’ mental health.

In addition to first-day jitters and worries about new schools, students may have concerns around peers and academic pressure. The start of school is often when parents schedule kids’ annual wellness visits.

Jesse Jones, manager of marketing communications and development for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Mid-Ohio, said the start of school is often when parents schedule kids’ annual wellness visits but the importance of mental health is often overlooked.

"If our mental health is impaired, it affects everything we do in our day," Jones pointed out. "It affects who we socialize with, if we socialize at all. What food choices we make. Are we going to be physically active? Are we going to be able to focus in class, focus in work? Anything like that, our decision-making is all impacted by our mental health."

She noted the annual checkup with your child’s doctor is a good opportunity to discuss any behavioral changes.

As the temper tantrums and separation anxiety of young children give way to teens who want time alone, parents may not know when to seek professional help. Warning signs for any age group include sudden mood changes, persistent sadness, concentration problems, and more often saying "no" to invitations or group activities.

Dr. Nicole Brady, chief medical officer of student resources for UnitedHealthcare, said there can be other symptoms.

"We also have to look at the physical changes that we may see: complaints about pain, stomach pain, headaches, changes in eating habits, changes in sleep patterns," Brady outlined. "And when it comes to school, changes in academic performance."

College-age students often turn to peers for emotional support but should be reminded to use the mental health resources at campus health centers. Brady stressed it is important for parents to stay engaged with kids of all ages and be active listeners.

"Really listen to what your kids are saying," Brady urged. "Validate their feelings, validate their emotions. Sometimes just listening can go a long way, and it really tells your kids that it is safe to talk to you about their mental health so if concerns escalate, they're more likely to come back."

She added if kids seem to be in serious distress or talking about self-harm, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.