With summer break over and kids back in school, BC Children’s Hospital wants to raise awareness of severe anxiety and mental health concerns in children.

Acute care pediatrician Dr. Tom McLaughlin says heading back to school can be one of childhood’s biggest stressors and transitions.

McLaughlin says most kids can get through the school year with the support of their parents and teachers. However, for some, a visit to the ER may be needed.

“Things that should prompt an ER visit would be any concerns for safety for your child, if you are concerned about their safety or someone elses … or they are having difficulty with their regular activities,” he said.

“It may be things like depression, anxiety, or eating changes. There are all sorts of things that can happen.”

He says it is important to monitor your child’s physical wellbeing, especially by prioritizing exercise and sleep. Transitioning from a summer sleep schedule to an earlier bed time can be challenging.

Experts say clinical intervention at the hospital is a last resort, while early, community-led support is the first line of defence. Community support groups, such as Foundry BC — which provides free, confidential health and wellness support for school aged youth 12 years and older — can stop a school-year transition from escalating into a medical emergency.

Steve Mathias, Foundry’s co-executive director, says it is available seven days a week with 20 centres across the province and services available online.

“Young people and their families should not be in a crisis to get the help they need when they need it,” he said.

“There is a lot of excitement about going back to school, and Foundry centres are intended to be there to support young people through that transition, knowing that they may just need to seek help and walk their way through some scenarios. Maybe they are having challenging relationships with new friends or schoolmates or potentially a new teacher they don’t like.”

Foundry also provides support for caregivers, offering advice on how to talk to your teen.

McLaughlin encourages families to talk openly about daily stresses and anxiety.

“It doesn’t need to be a taboo,” he said.

“You can ask, ‘how are you feeling? Are you feeling stressed? How is school?’”

Students and parents can find out more about what services Foundry BC provides here.

As Foundry is not a crisis service, those needing further mental health or crisis support can contact:

Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7): Call or text 988 to access suicide prevention support.
Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): Call 310-6789 for emotional support, information, and resources.
Kids Help Phone (24/7): Text “CONNECT” to 686868, or call 1-800-668-6868 to talk to a crisis responder.