We all look forward to witnessing natures beauty grow in springtime. 

It’s walking along a sidewalk and taking a glance at the gardening people have invested their time in. The pretty tulips and flowers begin to blossom, as the littlest buds on the trees are peaking. We take deep breaths of the fresh spring air as our heads are facing the bright sun. We take a moment for ourselves. 

May is known to be the beginning of spring, as it is also mental health awareness month. As we get into that “Spring cleaning mode” we should also take into consideration clearing our minds. Take the time to notice the signs of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Not just with ourselves, but in our young ones.

How our children may struggle in silence 

“I asked Steven to do his homework ten times! He keeps telling me he will do it but all I do is catch him on his bed laying down with his eyes closed telling me he just wants to relax” (example of hidden anxiety)

*Steven has been getting bad grades and cannot focus on any of his classes. Homework stresses him out and he feels as if he will never understand, avoiding the task that needs to be done is his way of trying to push aside the anxiousness of failure. 

*Signs are avoidance, not responsive to parent, oversleeping, ignoring daily tasks, withdrawing from activities of interest, changes in eating habits, less focused, and changes in affect. 

Panic attacks can happen in normal situations such as attending school, going on a vacation, visiting relatives, planning a party, taking an elevators or even public speaking. In other words, your child might be experiencing anxiety. All of this is a fight or flight response. The brain reacts as if something bad has happened. It includes physical and emotional responses that enable individuals to cope. 

Did you know that high school students with significant symptoms of depression are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers? 

Students aged 6-17 with mental, emotional, or behavioral concerns are 3xs more likely to repeat a grade (according to site https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2023/Physical-and-Mental-Illness-in-Children-Both-Need-to-Be-Taken-Seriously

We can help our loved ones experience a positive outcome by reaching out to a Mental Help professional. If you’re noticing a change in your child or teenager behavior, please feel free to contact the Break Free Family Center to speak with someone who cares in a safe and healing space.

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