Get Ready for Back to school with MHA (Mental Health America)

Many children who return to school will be lonely, having been isolated for months. Many who remain at home will feel even lonelier and more isolated as they see members of their peer group out and about.  Loneliness can translate to poor sleep, high blood pressure, greater risk of suicidal ideation, and even alcohol and drug use. Depression, anxiety, and fear can also increase. 

This is true for all age groups. It means this year, we all – parents, teachers, caregivers, students – need to attend to our mental well being more conscious than ever before.

Mental Health America (MHA) developed its 2020 Back to School Toolkit with this and more in mind to help students, parents, and school personnel navigate the uncharted waters of COVID-19.

This year’s toolkit includes:

• Fact sheets for parents/teachers;

• Fact sheets for children/teens;

• Key messages and statistics;

• Sample drop-in article;

• Sample social media post language and images; and

• Spanish language fact sheets and a worksheet (new this week!).

Click here for Toolkit in English and Spanish