Metro Nashville Public Schools Promote Back To School Mental Health Awareness

From the Metro Nashville Public Schools:

September 10, 2020

Back to school can be a stressful time for students, especially as we navigate it in a virtual world. There can also be many other factors that affect your student’s mental health and it is important to learn how to support them. Mental Health is a vital factor in helping children reach developmental and emotional milestones, as well as helping them learn healthy social skills and positive coping strategies.

What is Child Mental Health?

• Mental Health is defined as, a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being.
• Mental health is often a response to what is going on in a child’s life.
• Just because your child might be struggling with their mental health, does not mean that it’s permanent.

Warning Signs

• Some signs that your child might be struggling with their mental health include feeling sad or down, extreme mood swings, withdrawal from friends and family.
• You might notice significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping, as well as excessive fears or worries.
• Other signs include, poor appetite or overeating, school refusal, frequent outbursts, diminished interest, somatic (physical) complaints, or self-injury.

Why Talk About It?

• Child Mental Health is no different than a student’s physical health.
• The more we begin to normalize students’ mental health needs, the more we can begin to support them.
• It’s ok to talk about mental health and seek treatment for your child if needed.
• Parents are the greatest resource students can have regarding their mental health.

Download the Child Mental Health Tip Sheet

English | Arabic | Spanish

Resources

What you can do at home: Talk to your child daily, do “temperature checks,” create a routine to promote consistency, teach and reinforce positive behaviors, and as a parent, care for your own mental health.

• Mental Health Cooperative Mobile Crisis: 615-726-0125
• Vanderbilt Emergency Room: 615-343-2996
• National Suicide Prevention 24/7 Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Reach out to your student’s school counselor for a referral for free counseling through MNPS.
• Email SupportFamilies@mnps.org
• Visit the Student and Family Support page for additional resources.

Video Presentation: Signs Your Child May Need More Support

This press release was produced by the Metro Nashville Public Schools. The views expressed are the author's own.