Back to School

This morning I was scrolling through social media and came across a picture that made me pause. It was a picture of a group of high school aged looking people with tears streaming down their face. Some of the girls had their hands covering their faces while some were clutching something else in their hands. The caption read something along the lines of “When you’re wondering when you’ll be next.”

My heart sank. I quickly scrolled past the picture then immediately went back to it and processed the sessions I have had the past few weeks with teens and conversations with my own kids:

“If I don’t have my phone, I can’t call my mom if there is a shooter”

“If I don’t have a phone, I won’t have music which means I’ll have more panic attacks”

“I’m constantly worried at school about what could happen”

The thoughts raced as did my own about not being able to communicate with my daughter who I still am consistently worried about. My sadness went to anger and my anger turned into compassion.

I know there is a lot going on in the world and it seems impossible to fight it all. Yet as we, adults, aim to ensure our kids have what they need, we need to understand that schools do not always do that. We need to advocate for and support our youth more fiercely.

As I learned about the brain when becoming a therapist, one of the things that has always stuck with me is that if our hearts and minds do not feel safe, we cannot learn in the way we need to. If our brains are consistently scanning for threats, checking where the exits are, avoiding bullys, wondering if their teachers have guns or not and so much more consumes the brain for many, making it too difficult to absorb the math equation they are supposed to learn.

My heart aches for those who have been traumatized by mass shootings and wake up every day to wonder if they will have to face their fear. That being said, even if teens have not been impacted my mass shootings, they are navigating so many other things that may be putting their brain on high alert.

As adults who care for teens, it is now more crucial than ever, that we create an environment that is safe and calm. A space where they know they can process life’s trials and feel that someone cares can make one of the biggest impacts on a human brain, especially when we are struggling.

So, if you know and love someone who is going back to school this year, check in on them. Remind them you are there for them (and make sure to follow through on that). They are facing a lot right now and can use all the support ❤

#mentalhealth #backtoschool #youthmentalhealth #yougotthis