Acknowledge the Transition
The shift to a new school year—from changes in routine to social pressures—can stir anxiety or mood changes. At Exult Healthcare, we recognize how these transitions may affect a child’s emotional wellbeing and offer tailored support through services like therapy, IOP, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Know the Red Flags: Signs Your Child Might Need Help
Emotional & Behavioral Indicators · Persistent sadness or irritability beyond what’s typical for school stress. · Withdrawal from family, friends, or previously enjoyed activities. · Significant mood swings—from highs to lows—without obvious cause. · Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, or negative self-talk.
Physical & Academic Changes
· Sleep disruptions: difficulty falling asleep or frequent nightmares. · Appetite changes: significant overeating or loss of appetite. · Decline in grades or focus, or a noticeable drop in interest in school.
Social & Cognitive Signs
· Avoidance of social situations or consistent reluctance to attend school. · Irritability or anger, possibly erupting in outbursts. · Self-harm behaviors or talk about not wanting to go on—any sign of self-harm or suicidal ideation is serious.
How Exult Healthcare Supports Adolescents & Children
Adolescent Mood IOP These programs provide a structured, engaging environment combining group therapy, individual sessions, psychiatric oversight, and mindfulness or yoga practices to nurture emotional regulation and resilience. Diverse Therapy Modalities Exult offers a wide range of evidence-based therapies—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, play therapy, and teletherapy—for tailored support based on your child’s developmental and emotional needs. Timely Access and Integrated Care They offer psychiatric urgent care and same-day screenings to address immediate concerns, plus a coordinated model that blends behavioral, psychiatric, and holistic care for comprehensive support.
What You Can Do: Next Steps for Parents
-Initiate a Conversation Talk openly with your child about how they’re feeling—school, friends, emotions. Let them know they’re heard and that it's okay to share. -Consult a Professional If concerns arise, schedule a screening or reach out to a mental health provider. Exult Healthcare offers a free 15-minute phone screening to help determine appropriate next steps. -Engage in Family & Individual Support Family therapy can strengthen communication and support systems, while individual therapy empowers your child with coping skills and self-understanding. -Encourage Mindfulness & Routine Simple practices like daily mindfulness or yoga can help reduce stress and enhance emotional balance. A steady sleep and eating schedule also makes a difference. -Keep a Supportive Dialogue Check in regularly. Even small shifts—better sleep, improved mood, calmer reactions—are positive signs.
Final Thoughts: A Holistic Path Forward
This back-to-school phase doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By staying vigilant for signs of depression, fostering open communication, and utilizing supportive resources like those at Exult Healthcare, parents can help their children move into the school year with resilience, hope, and emotional readiness.
