As students return to classrooms following the summer break, health professionals and youth advocates in British Columbia are urging families to pay close attention to signs of anxiety and other mental health challenges that can emerge during the back-to-school transition.
BC Children’s Hospital says the beginning of the school year can be a particularly stressful period for some children and teenagers, especially as they adjust to new routines, teachers, classmates and academic expectations.
Acute care pediatrician Dr. Tom McLaughlin said returning to school can be one of the most significant transitions children experience during the year.
While most students are able to manage the adjustment with support from parents, teachers and other trusted adults, some may experience more serious difficulties that require professional help.
McLaughlin said families should consider seeking emergency care if they become concerned about a child’s safety, the safety of others, or if mental health symptoms begin interfering significantly with normal daily activities.
Signs could include severe anxiety, depression, major changes in eating habits or other behavioural and emotional concerns.
Sleep and exercise remain important
McLaughlin also encouraged parents to monitor their child’s physical wellbeing during the transition back to school.
Maintaining regular exercise and healthy sleep habits can play an important role, particularly as children adjust from later summer schedules to earlier school-night bedtimes and wake-up times.
Experts say hospital care should generally be considered a last resort, with early intervention and community-based support helping prevent emotional difficulties from escalating into a crisis.
Community support available for young people
Organizations such as Foundry BC provide free and confidential health and wellness services for young people aged 12 and older.
Foundry operates 20 centres across British Columbia and also offers online services seven days a week.
Steve Mathias, Foundry’s co-executive director, said young people and their families should not have to wait until they are experiencing a crisis before asking for help.
The organization helps youth navigate issues that can arise during the return to school, including difficulties with friendships, classmates, teachers and other social or emotional challenges.
Foundry also provides resources and guidance for parents and caregivers, including advice on how to start conversations with teenagers about their mental health.
Parents encouraged to keep conversations open
McLaughlin said parents should normalize conversations about stress, anxiety and emotional wellbeing rather than treating mental health as a taboo subject.
Simple questions about how a child is feeling, whether they are experiencing stress and how school is going can help create opportunities for young people to discuss concerns before they become more serious.
Experts say regular communication, healthy routines and access to early support can make the transition back to school easier for students struggling with anxiety or other mental health concerns.
Foundry BC is not an emergency crisis service, and families facing an immediate mental health or safety crisis are advised to seek appropriate emergency or crisis support.
