It's always a good time to talk about mental health with kids
Now that the reality of the new school year has settled in, BC Children's Hospital pediatrician Thomas McLaughlin says it's a good time to address the issues of mental health of children in schools.
Whether it be related to anxiety, bullying or other issues, children's mental health can be tied to their school experience, he says.
McLaughlin, who grew up in Lions Bay, adds that since each child is unique, there's not just a single symptom to watch out for when children feel anxious about school.
"Some children may say they feel anxious or worried, or have mood symptoms like feeling sad. Others may express that they don't want to go to school or other activities. Some children have more physical symptoms, such as headaches or tummy pain, poor sleep, or changes in eating habits," says McLaughlin.
While some amount of worry or moodiness can be completely normal around transitional events such as the start of school, McLaughlin suggests that parents keep an eye out for behavioural changes that persist or become more severe.
"Start by discussing the situation with your child," says McLaughlin. He also points parents to resources that can be found on BC Children's Hospital's Kelty Mental Health site, and if needed, suggests parents take the discussion to their family doctor.
Kelty Mental Health is a resource centre developed by BC Children's Hospital, helping families across the province navigate the mental health system, connect with peer support, and access resources and tools to support well-being.
While it can be helpful to parents who have concerns about their children's abilities to manage stress, or about eating and sleeping well, McLaughlin also points to pages offering more detail on mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
McLaughlin is a firm supporter of the importance of talking about mental health within the family. "Children and youth look to the adults in their lives to know what is normal. We wouldn't bat an eye if someone asked their child about how they were feeling when they have a fever or a twisted ankle, and it should be no different for anxiety and depression."
He adds that talking about mental health reduces stigma around the topic, and teaches children that these are manageable problems, just like the fever or twisted ankle. And he notes that parents should be open with their children when they themselves are experiencing worry or sadness, because it's important for children to watch their parents model how to handle the ups and downs of life.
But if a kid's worries start to affect their lives both in and out of school, McLaughlin is adamant that parents should not have to go it alone.
"If you are becoming more concerned – seek help. You can reach out to your family doctor, who may give a formal diagnosis or treatment." He adds that going to an emergency department should be reserved for when the child or other family member is in crisis.
Watch McLaughlin's interview on Global TV HERE. Read about his efforts to treat long-term illness at home via the PIVOT program HERE.
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