COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — As kids adjust to the routine of a new school year; parents may begin to see changes in the way their students act.
Mental health services that are available in schools throughout Central Ohio work to help kids navigate whatever life throws at them in and outside of the classroom.
Caelum Wolak, a student at Ohio State University said he began struggling with depression and social anxiety in middle school.
“You are going through puberty,” Wolak said. “You are going through all these enormous life changes that can take a heavy burden upon both your physical and mental health.”
Wolak said resources, like therapy and medication, have been a support system as he has dealt with his mental health struggles.
Melissa Rotblatt, a School Programs Manager for Franklin County Syntero, said she sees most kids struggle during transitional periods in their lives.
She said changes like a starting at a new school, beginning a new schedule, or even short breaks can be all consuming for students.
“There is a lot of changes in academic expectations.” Rotblatt said. “There is a lot more independence. The work is becoming more challenging.”
Syntero offers school-based programming, skill building and prevention services in several school districts throughout Franklin, Delaware and Morrow Counties.
“We need to teach them resilience and healthy coping skills. Those are not things that we can assume that someone is born knowing and we cannot assume that they are going to just figure it out along the way,” Rotblatt said.
Rotblatt said while every child is different, parents may be able to tell if their kid is struggling if they see significant changes in mood, eating or sleeping habits.
For Wolak, he said his mental health struggles were so bad that they also presented physically. He said he’s dealt with stomach pain for years.
Rotblatt also suggests encouraging open communication with your children about their day.
“What was your favorite part of the day? What was something that surprised you? What was the most challenging thing? What are you really proud of? Finding some of those creative conversation starters can also give families a lot of insight into what’s going on in their student’s day,” Rotblatt said.
Now an adult himself, Wolak has turned his struggles into purpose by working with other college-aged students at Ohio State University’s “Mental Health Matters” club.
The club holds group activities on campus that encourage discussions about mental health, important resources and work to build a sense of community for all students.
“It’s definitely a way to help move past like my disorder and then become pretty much become a well-rounded, full-fledged person,” Wolak said. “I’m not defined by these labels.”
Wolak said he believes mental health resources should be more accessible to those struggling.
“The government needs to have a stronger hand in allowing mental health resources to be available towards like the general population, as well as providing more funding as well,” Wolak said.
Wolak also mentioned the issues people face while trying to get help.
“It’s because a lot of counselors and psychiatrists currently have a lot of long waiting lists, and this can also increase stress upon them as well, and then also shorten access for people that might need these resources,” Wolak said.
Rotblatt said any families who may be concerned about their child’s wellbeing should use their teachers and guidance counselors as resources.
Syntero also offers online courses for loved ones to learn more about mental health and how to support someone struggling.
To learn more about Syntero and the services they offer, click here.