Back To School: 5 Tips For Students
By Emily DeLong, LISW-S
Clinical Supervisor, Allen County
While it’s true that most students love summer break, the inevitable transition back to school is upon us! Getting back into the swing of things with a new school year can be challenging. Here are 5 tips that can help manage the stress kids may feel around going back to school.
1: Start Early
Try to start your school routine a week before school starts! Summertime sleep schedules can be a bit sporadic, so it would be good to get adjusted back into the routine of early mornings before the first day of school!
2: Limit Screen Time
During summer break, you might spend a lot of time scrolling social media or grinding through video games. Reducing your time in front of screens, even by just a little, can help you maintain a regular sleep schedule.
3: Establish Healthy Habits
Deciding what to pack in your lunch each day can seem overwhelming, especially early. Aim for plenty of fruits and vegetables, but don’t forget the crunchies!
4: Go To The Open House
The start of a new school year likely includes new teachers, classrooms, lockers, and all kinds of exciting new things! By attending the school’s open house, you can get a head start on what your first day will be like!
5: Talk About It
It’s okay to feel nervous about the start of a new school year. It’s also okay to talk to your parents or other trusted adults about how you’re feeling. Support is all around you!
Family Resource Center offers several services to help with StreSS:
PREVENTION/EDUCATION SERVICES
SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELING SERVICES (YOUTH) – We have counselors located at schools in Hancock, Auglaize, Allen, and Hardin Counties. These counselors are able to provide group or one-on-one service directly in schools, where students are. If you are interested in enrolling for these services please reach out to our call center or your local school counselor or principal to see what is offered at your school.
SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATION SERVICES (YOUTH) – Our prevention educators are located at schools in Hancock County to offer group education sessions for youth in grades K-12. These groups work to teach social-emotional skills, health education, life skills training, self-esteem/confidence, and many other topics. If you are interested in hearing more about these groups please reach out to your school counselor or principal to see what is offered at your school.
TREATMENT SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Outpatient services are one-on-one counseling sessions delivered by providers with strong credentials and clinical expertise in all areas of behavioral health. Behavioral health counseling and therapy services consist of a series of time-limited, structured sessions that work towards reaching your defined goals.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (ALL AGES) – We provide psychiatric/medical intervention and Medication Management to reduce and/or eliminate psychiatric symptoms with the goal of improved functioning, including management and reduction of symptoms.
GROUP SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Our agency provides a variety of groups for youth or adults to participate in. These groups are led by counselors as well as peers. Peer support services are led by individuals who have experienced a mental health and/or substance use disorder and are actively in recovery. To find a group session that is right for you, reach out to our call center and connect with a counselor to discuss options with you.
RECOVERY
Our organization believes that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. We are about helping people find their path forward and seeing life through a hopeful lens. This is about more than programs, services and resources. This is about people who care deeply. People who have dedicated their lives to helping others. People who see not only the challenges others face, but the person who faces them. When you are ready to take the next step towards recovery please reach out to our call center to find the best fit of services for your individual needs.
3 ways to enroll in STRESS Services
ONLINE SCREENING
Answer a few short questions to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This screening is completely anonymous and confidential.
OPEN ACCESS HOURS
We have services available at in-person sites in seven different counties, including Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, and Hardin.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To get connected with a counselor and enroll in services please call our call-center. They will walk you through the enrollment process and connect you with the right services and counselors.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS EXPERIENCING IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, PLEASE CALL THE CRISIS HOTLINE NUMBER FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU’RE LOCATED.
Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties: 1.800.567.4673
Hancock County: 1.888.936.7116