Going back to school can feel exciting and scary at the same time. For many students and families, this season brings new challenges that affect mental health. The good news? With the right tools and support, students can thrive. This guide will help you understand common challenges, recognize when to get help and find the support you need.
Why Back-to-School Time Can Be Hard
Starting a new school year often means big changes. Students may worry about new teachers, making friends or keeping up with harder classes. Recent data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) shows that 40% of high school students report feeling persistently sad and hopeless, though this number has improved slightly from previous years.
Research finds that school changes can create stress for young people and may affect mental health throughout life. Common worries include:
- Meeting new teachers and classmates
- Handling harder schoolwork
- Fitting in socially
- Managing new schedules
- Dealing with more independence
Most students adjust within a few weeks, but sometimes the stress lasts longer and becomes more serious.
When Normal Stress Becomes Something More
It’s normal to feel nervous about starting school, but some signs suggest a student may need extra help:
- Feeling sad or hopeless for more than a few weeks
- Not wanting to go to school or join activities
- Big changes in eating or sleeping
- Trouble concentrating on schoolwork
- Feeling very worried or having panic attacks
- Talking about self-harm
- Using drugs or alcohol
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) nearly 20% of children and youth ages 3–17 in the United States have a mental health challenge. If you notice these signs, getting help right away is important.
Crisis Support: When You Need Help Now
Sometimes mental health problems become emergencies that need immediate attention. The SECU Youth Crisis Center at Monarch provides 24/7 support for young people in crisis.
Seek help immediately if a young person:
- Talks about wanting to hurt themselves or end their life
- Shows sudden, extreme changes in behavior
- Becomes violent or aggressive
- Has severe panic attacks
- Uses drugs or alcohol to cope
- Seems completely hopeless
Emergency departments saw a 20% increase in children’s mental health cases between 2019 and 2022. The SECU Youth Crisis Center is designed specifically for young people and their families. Staff work with families and schools to create safety plans and connect students with ongoing support.
Youth who receive age-appropriate crisis help are more likely to stay in treatment and experience fewer future crises.
Building Your Support Team
Good mental health support works best when many people work together. No one should navigate mental health challenges alone, especially not students. A support team may include:
- Family members: Parents, siblings and relatives who provide love and daily support
- School staff: Teachers, counselors and administrators who see students daily and can notice changes early
- Mental health professionals: Therapists, counselors and doctors who specialize in treatment
- Friends and peers: Classmates and friends who offer connection and understanding
- Community resources: Organizations like Monarch that provide programs and services
Families should stay in touch with school counselors, share key information with therapists and make sure everyone knows the plan in case of a crisis.
How Monarch Can Help
Monarch provides behavioral health services to support students and families during the school year. We recognize that mental health and school success go hand in hand.
Individual and Family Therapy
Our therapists understand school-related stress and help families develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression and behavioral challenges.
Crisis Support
Through the SECU Youth Crisis Center, our 24/7 team offers immediate help during emergencies, specializing in care for young people.
Tools and Resources for Families
Immediate Crisis Help
- SECU Youth Crisis Center: (844) 263-0050, Option 8
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 9-8-8
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Upcoming Webinars
- Nurturing belonging, emotional well-being and safety in a new school year – August 13
- Setting kids up for a mentally healthy school year – August 20
Online Resources
School Resources
- Talk with your school counselor
- Ask about mental health accommodations
- Learn your school’s crisis response plan
Printable Resources
Looking Ahead: A Successful School Year
Going back to school does not have to feel overwhelming. With the right support, coping strategies and resources, students can have a successful and healthy year. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Reach out today to learn more about how we can support your family’s mental health journey.
Call for Information – SECU Youth Crisis Center
Open Access for New Patients (Walk-In or Virtual Same-Day Assessment)
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2024). New reports examine trends in youth mental health. APA News Room.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 12). Key improvements to youth mental health from 2021 to 2023. CDC Newsroom.
Dudek, L., et al. (2023). Children’s perspective on fears connected to school transition and intended coping strategies. Social Psychology of Education, 26(2), 445–470.
Stapley, E., et al. (2022). A systematic review of school transition interventions to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes in children and young people. School Mental Health, 15(1), 95–112.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2024). Youth mental health statistics in 2024. AECF Blog.