(Long Island, N.Y.) Is back to school prime-time for the blues…or something more serious? “Some of the expected bumps in the road back to school include difficulties with time management – like getting to bed early, waking up early, making sure a good meal starts the day, getting homework and studying done and not being short on school supplies,” says Deborah Serani, Psy.D, a Long Island based author and psychologist.
“The hope is that, with practice and repletion, kids shift into school mode within a few weeks – and that time management isn’t a tug of war between a parent and child.”
Physically, children are required to adhere to rules, structure and limits at school, which can be tough for those who have active tendencies, explains Serani. Teachers know that it can take time for wigglers and gigglers to settle down into the classroom structure. “Again, within a few weeks, students generally are used to the rhythm school day,” she says.
Generally speaking, the second month of school is when teachers and parents can get a good sense as to how a child is doing, Serani says. Routines and schedules are pretty much second nature now, and if a child is struggling socially, academically or physically getting to school, in school, or after school, it’s time to consider a closer look. Here’s her expert advice:
1) Situational versus Clinical Symptoms: It’s important to determine if your child’s symptoms of fearfulness, worry, sadness or irritability are related to a situation going on at school – or if a clinical disorder might be operating. Situational symptoms occur because something is pressing on a child’s life (A test, a bully at recess). And when that situation goes away, the child returns to a sense of well-being. Rule of thumb is to use the yardstick of 2 weeks if a child’s symptoms of anxiety or depression continue, and there doesn’t seem to be a situation related to it. If a child is experiencing stomach aches, headaches, crying, avoidance or temper tantrum for more than ten days, there may be a mental health concern. It’s vital to know that Pediatric mental health issues are not something that readily goes away on their own.
2) Build a Team: Parents, teachers and school personnel should work together to evaluate the child’s emotional, academic and social experiences at school. If necessary, outside medical and mental health professionals should be added to the team. This is the best approach to determine if a clinical disorder like pediatric depression or anxiety is the reason why a child is struggling in school.
3) Early Detection is Key: Studies show that early diagnosis of pediatric mental health issues is extremely not just helpful in identifying illness. Emerging research shows that diagnosing early interrupts the negative courses of some mental illnesses, improves recovery and increases the likelihood of complete remission. And remember, children are not being labeled as problems; their symptoms are identified as being problems.
Dr. Deborah Serani, award-winning author and psychologist, will be signing her new book “Depression and Your Child: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers” at Book Revue, 313 New York Avenue in Huntington, NY, Saturday, September 28th at 7pm.
