The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition Sept/Oct/Nov

THE BRIDGEWATER-SOMERVILLE CONNECTION PAGE 37 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2021 theconnectionsnj.com 2021 has been a year marked by change and adaptation, especially for school-aged chil- dren and teens, and this September and Octo- ber will be no different. Schools are instituting plans for in-person learning and many children, without having that exposure for many months, will be adjusting and adapting again. With all of these changes, anxiety for chil- dren has increased, as well as the prevalence of other mental health challenges such as depression and suicide in youth. Children, however, are overall resilient, and the signs of their adjustments and stress can be eas- ily overlooked or considered to be signs of medical or behavioral issues. As we enter another school year, it’s im- portant to become versed in these signs and symptoms, discuss strategies to help children process and review when and how to seek professional help. Signs of anxi- ety in children can include stomachaches, headaches, heart- pounding, restlessness, worries, resisting and refusing to do things, fears, disruption of sleep or appetite, and lack of focus. Sometimes children appear not to hear adults, as they become engrossed in their thoughts, fears and worries or they isolate themselves from activities and people they previously enjoyed. Children need time with trusted adults to process their feelings and bene t most when adults validate how they feel. Once a child hears something like “I can understand why you would feel that way”, then they are more likely to allow us to help them to challenge thoughts that may be out of proportion or irrational. Too often, adults fast forward to challenging the young person’s thoughts or ideas, and children feel unheard or misunder- stood. The best times to process are when there is not a lot of other stimulation, or after a distressing time has passed. For example, it is recommended, especially with older chil- dren, to take a late evening drive to the ice cream shop or other low stress errands and discuss feelings or emotions in the car hours after the stressful day, rather than during din- ner or other times when stress levels at home can be highest. Some families utilize texting to discuss feelings since face-to-face discus- sions can lead to increased stress, rather than understanding. I know parents of young chil- dren who enjoy drawing their day to begin a discussion about feelings and stress. Carving out even 10 minutes can make a difference in a child’s ability to feel supported, heard and understood. Finally, it is important to understand that seeking mental health support is often the best way to prevent a mental health crisis in the future. Therapists are now assisting clients through many means including text, telehealth, in-home and in-of ce visits. Signs that your child may need additional support include more than 2 weeks of any of the symptoms mentioned earlier and /or a lack of ability to complete daily activities such as showering or attending to schoolwork. Finally, if your child voices thoughts of hurt- ing themselves or another person, reach out for assistance from local psychiatric screen- ing immediately. Local PESS agencies are trained to help you nd the next steps for you and your family. Educate your children about the 741741 crisis text line, which they can contact 24 hours a day and text with a trained crisis counselor. Serving the community since 1980, JFS is a leading, forward-thinking, highly-re- spected and non-sectarian social service agency whose doors are open to the whole community, serving clients of all back- grounds (race, religion, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic background, gender, sex- ual orientation, age, and physical ability). JFS can help you address your problems, explore alternatives, develop new insights, and nd solutions through a continuum of services including mental health counseling, geriatric assessments, counseling and case management, Family Mentor Program, ca- reer counseling, Ohr Tikvah Jewish Healing Program, services for individuals with dis- abilities and their families, and services for Holocaust Survivors. If you are interested in learning more about JFS’ programs, please contact us at (908)725-7799, email us at Ad- min@JewishFamilySvc.org or visit our web- site: www.JewishFamilySvc.org. 2021 - ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR OF CHANGE By Jen Walters, LCSW Signs of anxiety in children can include stomachaches, headaches, heart-pounding, restlessness, worries, resisting and refusing to do things, fears, disruption of sleep or appetite, and lack of focus. Local PESS agencies are trained to help you nd the next steps for you and your family. 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