Child and Teen Mental Health: Supporting Students Beyond the School Year

Originally posted in 2022 by Mind Meld Psychotherapy (MMP) | Updated and reposted by OSO Wellness

As the school year winds down, many students are preparing for exams, final projects, and the promise of summer break. Some may feel excited about warm weather, new routines, or the return of summer activities. Others may feel overwhelmed, burned out, or uncertain about what lies ahead.

While many restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic have lifted, the psychological impact on students has not disappeared. In fact, studies show a continued rise in anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal among children and teens—even as they return to in-person learning and typical school activities.

When Worry Becomes More Than Just Worry

It’s natural for students to feel stressed about assignments, changing routines, or summer transitions. But when worry becomes constant, intense, or leads to feelings of hopelessness, it’s time to pause and check in.

Post-pandemic, many students report not feeling like things are "back to normal." Academic and social pressures, combined with disrupted routines and uncertainty, have left many young people struggling to feel grounded.

Spotting the Signs

It’s easy to attribute moodiness in children and teens to hormones, bad days, or sugar crashes. But persistent emotional changes may point to something deeper. Warning signs to watch for include:

• Ongoing sadness or irritability

• Withdrawing from family or friends

• Trouble sleeping or excessive fatigue

• Appetite changes

• Loss of interest in hobbies

• School avoidance or anxiety about attendance

How to Start the Conversation

If you’re unsure how to talk to your child or teen about their emotions, try these gentle, nonjudgmental strategies:

• 🗣 Model emotional awareness. “Sometimes when I’m anxious about one thing, it spills into other areas I don’t expect. Have you felt something like that?”

• 🧏‍♂️ Validate their feelings. “It sounds like you got upset when your friend didn’t text back. Were you worried they were upset with you?”

• ❓ Invite open dialogue. “Tell me more about what’s going on. Maybe together, we can figure out what’s causing the stress.”

If communication becomes too difficult or emotional distance continues to grow, it may be time to seek outside support. School counselors, teachers, and licensed mental health professionals can help children and families navigate these challenges with care.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.Whether your child is struggling academically, emotionally, or socially, OSO Wellness is here to support your family. Our team offers individual, family, and child-focused counseling in a safe and understanding environment.

📌 Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional clinical advice. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, consult a licensed provider.