A newsletter from Johnson County Mental Health Center
Mental Health Moment

Going back to school can be an exciting time, but those who struggle with anxiety/depression or other mental health conditions or have experienced bullying may not be as psyched. Plus, students today are experiencing more stressors than normal, including extreme weather events, school shootings/anniversaries/drills and political/social tensions that are affecting young immigrants and LGBTQ+ youth. 
 
Mental health conditions in children and teens are real, common and treatable. According to Mental Health America, “One in five children have a diagnosable mental health condition and nearly two-thirds of them get little or no help.” Untreated mental health conditions can disrupt children’s ability to function at home, in school and in the community. Parents and family members are usually the first to witness if a child is struggling. So, here are some ways to support your child as they get back into the swing of things this school year.
Get back into a consistent routine. Structure can improve both a parent's and a child’s mental health. This could look like creating a consistent morning routine and having a regular bedtime.
Ask directly about bullying. According to the CDC, one in five high school students report being bullied at school and more than one in six say they're bullied electronically. Have a conversation about bullying (online and in-person), what to do, if your child experiences bullying, and how to be a helpful bystander.
Keep an eye out for changes in behavior. You know your child better than anyone. You can tell whether it’s a bad day, week or if something just feels “off”. Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate that your child needs help.
This school year and every year, let’s have honest conversations about mental health with the children and teens in our lives. Let your children know it's okay to share their feelings about school and you’re there for support in addition to other resources. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you. If you need mental health support or resources for yourself or a loved one, call us 24/7 at 913-268-0156 or text 741-741.

Photo by Children 1st
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Mental Health First Aid is an interactive 8-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds an understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments.
 Parent Project Junior is for parents who have children ages 5-10 with behavioral concerns, particularly those caused by ADHD. It’s an 11-week program free to any parent in the community. It’s a perfect fit for parents hoping to improve their relationship and communication with their child, improve their child’s school behavior, and build a support system with other parents that can last a lifetime. Except for the first and last weeks, the weekly classes are on Zoom, so parents can participate from the comfort of their own home.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. ASIST is a resource for the whole community. It helps people apply suicide first-aid in many settings: with family, friends, co-workers, teammates and formal caregiving roles.