While the end of the school year often brings excitement and anticipation, it can also be a period of heightened stress and anxiety for children and teens. From final exams and college applications to transitions between schools, the pressures of spring can significantly impact their mental health.
Dr. Di Thompson is a psychiatrist and Medical Director of Wellbeing for our CommonSpirit Health’s Mountain Region, serving communities across Colorado, Kansas and Utah. She shares the following valuable information for parents and guardians about the unique challenges young people face this time of year.
"This really is a stressful time," Dr. Thompson says. "Some might think, ‘Oh gosh, they should be excited - it’s the end of the school year,' but oftentimes there are significant changes taking place. It might be a transition between high school to college, or between grade school to middle school, or middle school to high school, and then there’s the stress of college admission tests.”
The Pressure is Real: Understanding the Sources of Stress
The end of the school year brings a confluence of stressors. Students face academic pressures, including final exams, projects, and maintaining good grades. For older students, college admissions decisions and the transition to higher education can be particularly overwhelming. Even seemingly positive changes, like moving from elementary to middle school or middle to high school, can trigger anxiety due to new environments, social dynamics, and increased academic demands.
Dr. Thompson highlights the physiological impact of this stress.
"We know that cortisol levels – which is a stress hormone – can increase when teens are taking these big tests and this is related to lower scores,” she says. “Others may think, ‘The score that I get on this test is going to alter my life.’ That's a lot of pressure."
Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Stress in Children and Teens
It's crucial for parents, educators, and caregivers to be aware of the signs of stress in children and teens. These signs can manifest differently depending on age and personality.
“There are things to watch out for,” Dr. Thompson says. “For the younger students, they tend to be more impulsive and act out when they’re upset or angry. So it’s always important to just monitor how they’re doing. Anybody can have a bad day, but if those symptoms persist, it’s really important to explore.”
“For teens, things to look out for are changes like starting to use alcohol or drugs, changes in sleep or diet, isolating, being more irritable than usual, changes to appearance,” she says. “All of those are reasons to question and check in with them.”
“Certainly if there’s ever a concern about suicidal ideation, that child or teen needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional right way.”
Dr. Thompson emphasizes the importance of open communication.
"As parents, sometimes it's important just to be there. I'm sure some people have experienced asking a teen how they're doing, and they get either a grunt or a 'I'm fine.' But it's important to keep asking."
Taking Action: How to Support Your Child's Mental Health
Here are some ways to support your child's mental health during stressful times:
Listen and Validate: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings without judgment. Acknowledge their concerns and validate their emotions.
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Help your child develop healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies and activities they enjoy.
Promote Peer Support: Encourage your child to connect with friends and participate in peer support programs at school. A recent CDC study has shown that peer support programs can significantly reduce suicide attempts.
Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Encourage your child to take breaks from technology and engage in offline activities.
Seek Professional Help: If you are concerned about your child's mental health, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide guidance, support, and treatment options.
We're Here to Help: Resources for Mental Health Support
At CommonSpirit Health, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. We understand that seeking help can be difficult, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
- Visit 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online
Remember, prioritizing mental health is essential for overall well-being. By recognizing the signs of stress and providing support, we can help children and teens navigate the challenges of adolescence and thrive.
