Stamford Advocate
By Jody Bishop-Pullan

With summer drawing to an end and a new school year beginning, it seems like the perfect time to talk about youth mental health and our collective role in supporting our young people.

It’s important to recognize that the start of the school year can be challenging for students of all ages. Managing new routines and schoolwork, and reconnecting with and making new friends, can be challenging for kids and teens. It’s especially critical at the beginning of the school year that we take extra care to support them in this transition. We can remind kids and teenagers that it’s OK not always to be OK — and we can model how to overcome emotional difficulties by promoting self-care through empathy and encouragement. As a mother and grandmother, I know first-hand how important it is for kids to know they have trusted adults looking out for them. If you are unsure where to start, you can consider looking at the resources and training the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance (SYMHA) offers.