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No matter how long they’ve been in the K–12 space, many a professional gets a dose of anxiety on Sundays. Do you spend the day worrying that you’re not truly ready for the week? Maybe you’ve got emails, intervention plans, and IEP reports hanging over your head. Perhaps it’s the fear of the unknown that really sends you into a tailspin. Whatever it is that has you sweating over Monday morning, these tips can help you tame the “Sunday Scaries”!

“Teamwork makes the dream work” is a common refrain among us. In education, we see examples of teamwork in every aspect of the school community​ ​—​ ​administration, staff, and families.  

You don’t have to look far to find an article detailing the state of student achievement these days. Math and reading scores are down from where they were pre-pandemic and educators and parents alike are scrambling to find ways to close the gap. Unfortunately, academic scores aren’t the only concern in need of attention; an extraordinary percentage of our students are facing mental health challenges — many of them dire.

Everyone gets the back-to-school jitters — even educators. There’s a reason the “Sunday Scaries” is a thing, whether you’re returning from a long vacation or a typical weekend. And of course, this apprehension is not reserved for you and your colleagues. Students and their families likely also feel angst during transitions back to school and work. 

Efficient diagnostic tools can better address mental health in patients — and providers. Today, about one in four adults experiences a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. Many of these adults are your patients. And many others are your healthcare staff. This leaves healthcare organizations in the position of supporting patients who may struggle to get the care they need and supporting staff who may struggle to deliver proper care.  

When used responsibly, social media can provide a means for social connectedness, support, information, and entertainment for teens, all of which can be beneficial to their mental health and well-being. However, social media can also expose teens to anxiety, depression, body image issues, cyberbullying, peer pressure, racism, prejudice, sleep disorders, and addiction. These effects may be related to the amount and type of social media use, as well as the developmental stage of each teen.

Why is a good evaluation the key to solving any problem? We have a true story to share with you that can shed a little light on the importance of a thorough evaluation. It is from the perspective of a mom whose son was having difficulties paying attention, controlling his impulses, and keeping himself organized — both at home and at school. As with any good story, this one has a happy ending thanks to a dedicated team of educational and mental health professionals who left no stone unturned and worked in close collaboration with both the student and his parents. 

Summertime is often a welcomed period of fun and rest for students, rewarding them with a much-needed break from their schoolwork. However, mental health never takes a vacation, and there are signs of exacerbating problems in the summer months.

A key challenge is the disruption of routine that summer brings. There’s also the reduced access to counselors, teachers, and other positive adult role models that were either a source of comfort and guidance or a positive reinforcement for their mental health. Financial instability is also a common factor, especially with students who relied on school breakfasts and lunches for their daily meals.  

It’s important to note that students from historically marginalized groups are more likely to suffer from reduced access to mental health resources throughout the school year, not just in the summer.