The role of an adult supporting a student may be challenging and difficult to navigate alone.
You may be worried about your student and interested in finding information on warning signs.
You may also be feeling the weight and stress of having to support your student through their struggles.
These situations may make us feel alone and overwhelming.
You are not alone.
Please review information to help the adults who support students.
What are Signs that my Student is Struggling?
Warning Signs of Mental Health Concerns
Knowing the warning signs and recognizing emerging mental health concerns is important to ensure that students are able to access supports when in need of help.
Here are MHA Signs and Symptoms of MH Concerns to look for:
- Problems with concentration, memory or ability to think clearly
- Changes in appetite
- Feeling sad, empty, hopeless or worthless
- Loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy
- Excessive worry
- Irritability or restlessness
- Changes in sleep
- Angry outbursts
- Not wanting to be around people or take part in activities
- Hearing or seeing things that other people don't
- Extreme panic
- Onset of new behaviors or rituals that are repeated
- Mood swings or frequent shifts in energy
- Changes in how they dress (ie. long pants and shirts in hot weather or hats all of a sudden could be signs of hiding signs of self injury like hair pulling or cutting)
10 Common Warning Signs in Teens and Young Adults
Warning Signs of Suicide
According to the American Pediatric Association, most youth who die by suicide show some Warning Signs and Behavioral Changes. Here are some of the many common warning signs to look for:
- Talking about killing oneself, feeling hopeless, feeling like a burden or having no reason to live
- Mood changes, including depression, anxiety and agitation
- Behavioral changes:
- Increased substance use
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Giving away prized possessions
- Irritability
If you or someone that you know is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please dial 911 immediately.
If you or someone that you know is struggling emotionally, experiencing an issue with drugs or alcohol, or having a hard time, please call or text 988 to connect with the San Diego Access and Crisis Line.
How Can I Be Supportive?
As a parent, you need to be prepared for dealing with problems-big and small. That includes taking care of your child's mental health. It's important to step up when things get serious.
- Learn How To Recognize Warning Signs
- Get Them Professional Help
- Give Your Child Emotional Support
- Encourage A Healthy Lifestyle
- Help Them Feel Connected
What if I Need Help Getting Through this Too?
Supporting students and navigating their behavioral health needs requires emotional energy, patience and persistence to ensure that the student is able to access the support that he/she/them needs. Caregivers are often focusing their efforts on the student and taking care others that you tend to place your own needs on hold.
Recognizing and meeting your own mental, emotional, and physical health needs gives you the foundation to provide, to support and to be available to help your student.
Here are a few options to help ensure that your needs are met as well.
Self Guided Resources
Guided Videos and Activities to Encourage Mindfulness & Self-Care for Adults
Mindfulness allows you to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not be reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us.
When we’re mindful, we reduce stress, enhance performance, gain insight and awareness through paying attention to our own mind.
San Diego County Office of Education Resources for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
Where Can Parents to Find Help?
NAMI San Diego
NAMI Helpline: 619-543-1434 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)
The Helpline is run by trained volunteers that will answer general questions regarding navigating resources like housing, support groups, who to contact for crisis intervention for a loved one, questions regarding clubhouses or crisis houses, what is Laura’s Law, how to have difficult conversations, etc.
NAMI Warmline: 619-295-1055 (7 days per week, 3:30pm - 11pm)
A non-crisis phone service run by Peer Support Specialists who have lived experience that provides callers with information, referrals, support, and empathy. This service has become a valuable tool for individuals in the community who may be isolated or struggling with the symptoms of mental challenges to seek comfort, coping skills, and the reassurance that they are being heard by someone who has “been there, done that.”