With the new school year underway more stress can be added as schedules begin to fill up with activities and homework. 

Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says more and more children and adolescents are having concerns and worries that are beyond their ability to cope and she mentions some factors that could affect mental health.

“Social media can be relentlessly cruel and families may be struggling right now financially plus the fear of not feeling safe in school has become a legitimate concern. All those things add up to be reasons that some children are struggling to maintain their mental health.”

Cochran tells Raccoon Valley Radio one back to school resource can be found on the website for Mental Health America that is good for children and adolescents but there are local options available as well.

“You may want to tap into help from a school guidance counselor or your local clergy or your primary clinic for a referral to a mental health provider. If you believe that anxiety is preventing your child from doing well in school, ask the school to have the Area Education Agency (AEA) to address those concerns.”

Cochran says the AEA has local professionals who will come to the school to provide services for free.