Ohio Department of Health: Some students returning to school with ‘emotionally heavy backpacks’
Health officials want parents preparing for the back-to-school season to be aware of their student’s mental health and well-being before the first day.
The Ohio Department of Health warns that changes or fluctuations in kids’ moods could be part of a sign they’re struggling emotionally.
“Some students may be returning to school with emotionally heavy backpacks,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health. “Supporting our young people and helping every child reach his or her full potential is simply critical.”
Under Gov. Mike DeWine’s leadership, Vanderhoff said that changing access to children’s mental health services and wellness has been a priority.
“Our colleagues at mental health and addiction services and other agencies have been working hard to reduce the stigmas and barriers and making behavioral health services more visible, accessible and effective,” he said.
Dr. Mary Carol Burkhardt is a pediatrician and associate division director for Primary Care at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
“Change in behavior - that’s really what we want to look for,” said Dr. Burkhardt. “[This is] potentially when kids are having more temper tantrums, more withdrawn and not able to do the typical things that they used to enjoy doing. It’s those changes in behavior that are the signals that we want to look for. The earlier we intervene when it comes to mental health, the more likely we are to catch kids at an area at a place in their lives where we can make the most impact.”
Resources
Dr. Burkhardt said parents can access the American Academy of Pediatrics for educational resources.
“If you’re noticing those changes in your child’s baseline behavior, it’s really important to talk to your child’s pediatrician or provider,” she said. “They will have access to local resources. Our schools have also done a great job enhancing the mental health services that they’re offering within the schools themselves and community mental health agencies throughout the state of Ohio are really great connecting kids. The best thing though is acting early so kids can get help as quickly as possible.”