CENTRE COUNTY — The start of a new school year can be exciting — reuniting with friends, taking new classes, meeting new teachers — but it can also take a toll on some children’s mental health.
“Students and families may experience some added stress as they prepare to head back to school,” shared Marisa Vicere, president and founder of the Jana Marie Foundation. “Changes to schedules and routines are always difficult, and we often see these changes happening with the start of a new school year.”
The Jana Marie Foundation, a nonprofit established in 2012 and named after Jana Marie Vicere, a Centre County local who spent much of her life helping others through the arts before losing her battle to depression and suicide, provides “tools for individuals and communities to prevent suicide, and also help bring the issues of mental wellness and health to the forefront,” according to its website.
While the Jana Marie Foundation provides year-round support, Vicere provided additional insight for adults to look for to identify changes in children’s mental health during the 2024-25 academic year.
“Some students may even have some back-to-school jitters as they anticipate their new teachers or what the year may bring. These are not uncommon,” Vicere explained. “However, if you see changes in your child’s thoughts, feelings, actions and appearances, you’ll want to have a conversation with them and see what might help make the transition easier. If you are worried about the level of anxiety or stress your child has, reach out to your primary care physician or other health care professionals.”
Recognizing the early signs of mental health struggles in children can make a major impact on your child’s overall well-being, however, Vicere noted that signs of mental health changes will appear differently in each child.
“You will want to look for changes in thoughts, feelings, actions or appearances. This could include things like increased worry or fear, racing thoughts or indecisiveness, withdrawing from friends, family or activities, increased agitation or looking more unkempt,” Vicere noted. “Anytime you notice behaviors, start a conversation and if more concerns arise, reach out for help.”
For parents, being proactive in discussing mental health before possible signs of challenges present themselves can take the form of different effective strategies.
“Check in with them by asking open-ended questions; try to limit distractions and listen nonjudgmentally when you are talking; make time to do something special each week — whether that’s go for a walk, bake cookies together or go somewhere; create a routine that works for your kids and your family; limit access to electronics, especially at bedtime,” Vicere said.
Additionally, taking courses can help adults better understand and broach the topic of mental health.
The Jana Marie Foundation offers regular mental health education courses for parents and caregivers throughout the year, such ss Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention Training, Counseling on Access to Lethal Means and Compassion Resilience. It also provides multiple youth programs. For more information, visit janamariefoundation.org.
Those currently struggling with mental health can call or text the 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline. a national hotline in the United States that provides 24/7 confidential support for people experiencing mental health crises, including thoughts of suicide. It connects callers to trained counselors who offer immediate assistance, resources and support.
“It’s important to understand mental health because it is part of our overall health and well-being. Well-informed adults are crucial in helping to creating supportive networks for our young people.”
