The following information has been gathered from talking to a multitude of different therapists.

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Q: What is the age range of kids that are going through mental health problems?

A: Kids of any age can go through depression and anxiety. Sometimes we may think that it isn't something very young children struggle with but even 3 and 4 year olds can show noticeable signs.

Q: What percentage of your patients are middle school kids?

A: There are different kinds of mental illnesses. Some are biological. Things like obsessive compulsive disorder and mood disorders are things people are born with. Some people also may be predisposed to depression or anxiety and it may trigger more easily. Other things that are situational may be triggered by an event or environmental cause. For example, the death if a loved one, the birth of a child (e.g. post-partum depression), overwhelming stress, isolation (like during quarantine from the pandemic) are all things that can trigger the onset of depression or anxiety.

Q: What are some symptoms of mental health issues?

A: You might see that a person is feeling apathetic or has trouble making decisions. They might sleep a lot or not be able to sleep at all. There could be changed in appetite--either eating too much or not enough. They may cry a lot. They may withdraw socially or shutdown. Students may stop turning in work or stop caring about their classes. They may seem agitated or irritable.

Q: How would you advise someone take action if they knew someone who was going through a hard time?

A: The best thing to do is to let people know they are cared for. It depends on your relationship with the person. You could offer to talk about it if they want. You could offer to help.them find an adult who can help, like a counselor or teacher. 

Q: What are some coping mechanisms that you recommend practicing?

A: I attached a file I keep hanging in my office as a reminder of some strategies. Breathing deeply and developing a meditation practice works for many people. Being able to ask to take a break and calm yourself down by coloring, using some kind of clay or fidget manipulative. Physical activity or taking a walk, getting fresh air.

Q: Are students very vocal about their problems?

A: It goes both ways. Some students don't want to talk about it. For some there is a taboo against therapy. Others want to talk about it and sometimes get caught up in a lot of drama about how they have "anger management issues". Others really want help and seek it out. I think it is really important to normalize getting help so more people will. If they aren't able to develop positive strategies to deal with these feelings, they will continue to struggle as adults. If they discover how to get help when they need it, it will help them if they ever need support as an adult.

Q: What should society do to support these kids that are struggling with these problems?

A: Normalize mental health support. Provide free ways outside and inside school for students to access mental health supports. Create wellness centers that include mental health.

Q: How long does therapy last?

Usually school therapy lasts 3-12 weeks. Then students might be referred to a program outside of school. This is often dependent on their access to health insurance and their parents follow-through in signing them up and getting them there.

Q: How do you know if someone's treatment is in affect?

A: The school only knows if the student or parents let us know. Sometimes the school will ask for a Release if Information to be signed so our staff can communicate with the therapist. The reality is though, unless the mental health need is very severe, schools do not often have the capacity to keep updated communication with a therapist.

Q: How often do you meet your patients?

It depends on the patient, but usually once or twice a week.

Q: What are some of the issues that kids go through that make them develop poor mental health? 

A: Kids at this age are changing developmentally. They go from elementary school friendships to more complex and challenging social situations. Isolation from covid quarantine impacted kids really significantly. Social media issues are a major source of stress that I hear about daily from students. Friendships, peer groups, family relationships are difficult for many.