Behavior problems starting school? Get your child the help they need!

Behavior problems are commonly seen with transitioning back to school. Parents, teachers and students start with an optimistic view on a “fresh start” and a new grade. However, typically within a few weeks, things start to slide. As a result, often we are frustrated that expectations are not met.

Approximately 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have or will have behavior problems at school that lead to serious mental illness according to National Alliance on Mental Illness. Consequently, students drop out or get stuck in the juvenile justice system. There is never enough eyes to monitor a child’s well being. As a result, KXAN a NCB affiliated television station in Austin, Texas is exploring potential solutions by developing Save our Students (S.O.S) This healthcare initiative is helping educate teachers, staff, bus drivers and parents understand and take action of mental health concerns with students. S.O.S stresses it is not your job to fix but be aware something is happening and get the child to where they need to get help.

As parents…how can we help?

Parents need to model on how to deal with mental health issues. First, you need to develop a language around mental illness to talk to your kids. Next, you must advocate for them to speak up when needed. Similarly, we all need to recognize as adults, we struggle too. It is equally important for parents to ensure they are taking time for their needs. As a result, modeling positive coping skills and problem solving techniques benefit you as well!

Often times behavioral problems can be the result of underlying mental health disorders. As a result, these problems can have a negative change on the way children learn. It can effect their behavior, emotions, causing distress and struggling to get through the day. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Depression, anxiety and behavior disorders are the most common among adolescents.

Depression in adolescents

• Frequent and longer periods of sadness or unexplained crying spells
• changes in appetite and sleep patterns
• Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
• Pessimism, indifference
• Loss of energy, chronically feeling tired
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness
• Not able to concentrate, indecisiveness
• Inability to find pleasure in usual interests, social withdrawal
• Physical symptoms of unexplained aches and pains
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety in adolescents

• Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, frequent nightmares
• Feeling on edge/Irritable
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Unexplained outbursts
• Avoiding social interactions with friends
• Avoiding extracurricular activities
• Spending more time alone
• Changes in grades, missed assignments
• Procrastination or increased difficulty concentrating on academics
• Increased heartbeat/dizziness
• Frequently sweating
• Upset stomach
• Derealization

If your child appears to be struggling with symptoms of these common adolescent problems in school, home or daily functioning its important to get help. These problems are treatable and most adolescents can learn to cope and manage their symptoms. Please call Therapy SRQ today at (941) 202-3432 for a free consultation.

Getting Ahead of the Problem

The AACAP recommends a professional evaluation when behavioral issues are persistent and affecting multiple areas of a child’s life. But you don’t have to wait until it’s a full-blown crisis. If the school calls are piling up and the strategies you’ve tried at home aren’t making a dent, that’s a clear signal. What we do in our practice is figure out what’s driving the behavior — not just what it looks like on the surface. A child who acts out in school might be anxious, struggling with attention, processing a family change, or dealing with something a teacher wouldn’t know about. Once we understand the root, we can work on it. Behavioral therapy gives kids concrete tools: how to calm down when they’re flooded, how to use words instead of actions, how to handle frustration without melting down. For younger kids, play therapy works with their natural way of processing the world. And we always involve parents — consistency between home and sessions is what makes the difference stick. If your child is struggling as they settle into school, reach out. Call or text (941) 202-3432 to connect with our Sarasota or Venice office.