Going back to school is exiting for some kids, and for others, a source of anticipation and worry.

Young children can get nervous about leaving parents. Older children may feel anxious about academics or how they’ll fit in with their peers. For parents, this time of year can be equally as stressful.

In 2021, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy released an advisory on our country’s youth mental health emergency.

He said that mental health challenges in children, adolescents and young adults are real and widespread.

What can parents do to help their child cope with back-to-school anxiety? Be on the lookout for changes in your child’s behavior and mood.

Signs of anxiety include disturbances in sleep, increased defiance or irritability, lack of concentration, less energy, loss of appetite, physical symptoms such as nausea, refusal to go to school, and sadness or crying.

Dr. Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist at Children’s Health and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, recommends trying some of these techniques to help your child cope with back-to-school anxiety.

• Validate and listen to concerns

• Focus on what they can control

• Help your child feel prepared

• Encourage overall physical health

• Establish routines

• Teach stress-reducing activities

• Support hobbies

• Show encouragement and celebrate wins

• Seek mental health support if needed.

If your child faces a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline by calling 988 or chat with counselors by texting the word “JASON” to 741741.

The Jason Foundation is another valuable resource. The foundation is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth.

All programs are provided at no cost and can be accessed through its website. For more information, visit www.jasonfoundation.com.