The start of a new school year can bring frustrations for parents and kids. For some families, it also brings intense outbursts, nights of being up with worries, and behavioral challenges not experienced during the summer months. Is that normal? When does your child need mental health support from a professional for this type of intense anxiety?
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we recommend seeking treatment even if you’re unsure if your child needs it. That’s because many people wait too long and put themselves and their families through far more than they have to. Treatment can be highly effective. You can always visit our anxiety treatment center in Green Bay for immediate help.
What’s Healthy Anxiety for Kids Going Back to School?
A good place to start is with the realization that butterflies, upset stomachs, and even headaches are common for high-stress situations, like going back to school. Normal first-day jitters can be expected, especially as your child gets older and faces more socially intense situations. Most children will experience some level of “I don’t want to go back to school.” And that’s okay.
Healthy anxiety is a normal human reaction to the unknown. Teach your child what anxiety is, and how the brain works to prepare for risky situations by creating “what if” problems. At the same time, be ready to answer questions about what’s really likely to happen. Show your child you care that they are worried, and provide some stress relief strategies for them.
Signs Your Child Needs Professional Mental Health Treatment for Anxiety
There is a point where back-to-school anxiety is more than just jitters. In some situations, a person needs extra support because their anxiety is interfering with their daily life and routine. Some of the most common signs of anxiety being a mental health disorder in kids include:
Refusing to Go to School
A constant fight to go to school could indicate a more significant problem than just nervousness. Sometimes, children cannot communicate what they are thinking or feeling well enough for you to understand why they don’t want to go. It could be bullying, for example. Other times, it may just be the physical signs of anxiety limiting their ability to make it through the day.
Changes in Sleep
Constant thoughts of worry and fear can be exhausting to anyone. But when this limits their ability to sleep, it impacts their health as well. Sometimes children will seem to be tired all of the time. Others sleep too much or have intense dreams. When this happens, especially when it continues to happen, it becomes essential to seek out treatment.
Behavioral and Mood Changes
Notice how your child’s moods are changing. If they have any of the following, set up an appointment to review what they may be facing.
- Intense meltdowns, especially if this is not normal behavior for them
- Withdrawing from friends and family, even those they have known for years
- Loss of interest in sports or other activities they always enjoyed
- Severe irritability that seems out of context for what they are experiencing
- Anger that’s unexplained or not understood by you
Notice changes in your child. If your child seems to be intensely fighting back, talk to them about why. Note that most kids don’t understand the difference between anxiety that’s healthy and that which warrants mental health support.
If your child’s behaviors and changes related to going back to school are impacting daily life, it’s time to get them support for some type of mental health disorder.
It’s Not Uncommon, But It Does Require Treatment
Anxiety is common in children. About 11% of kids between 3 and 17 years of age will suffer from some level of anxiety. A fraction of these children need professional mental health support. When your child’s life is upended by fears, intense emotions, and behavioral changes, make that an indicator that it’s time to bring them in for a conversation, assessment, and potentially treatment.
Many times, anxiety is a condition that’s treatable, and once your child is on the right track, they can enjoy a higher quality of life. Don’t wait to request an assessment.
Let Willow Creek Be There for Your Family
Willow Creek Behavioral Health provides mental health treatment for children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17. Our programs are designed to provide each child with the specific type and level of care they need. This is an opportunity to provide your child with a solid foundation moving forward.
Contact us now to learn more about the treatment options we offer at Willow Creek. Our mental health treatment center in Green Bay offers a compassionate, positive environment to support your child’s long-term well-being.
