Summer — sunshine, fun, vacations, and no routine! Even though the reprieve from school year stress is terrific for mental health, it can create challenges as parents and students try to get back to the routine of the school schedule. The adjustment of this change in schedule can cause stress which may be unhealthy and lead to problems maintaining and promoting good mental health. Below are some tips you and your family can use to develop a successful transition back into the school year.
Sleep! During the summer months, children are going to bed late, sleeping in, and napping during the day. These sleep habits can skew sleep schedules and cause poor mood and irritability. With school starting shortly it is critical to get “sleep hygiene” back on track. Sleep hygiene includes defining a bed and wake-up time, preparing a dark room (only used for sleeping), no electronics, comfortable temperature, and adequate calm-relaxation time before going to bed to prepare the body for sleep. This will make the transition back to school easier and minimize the groaning and moaning from tired and irritable kids due to the sudden change of their “Summer” sleep habits.
Read a book, take a bath, journal about your day’s stressors, so you can leave them on the page and not running through your brain – turn your mind OFF – get a great night’s rest to prepare and recharge for the next day.
Screen time! This refers to the time spent using a device – computer, TV, gaming device. Too much screen time is linked to obesity, irregular sleep schedules, behavioral problems, loss of social skills, violence, and less time for physical play (mayoclinic.org). Prioritize “unplugged” playtime, create tech-free times, (and cut off screen time one hour before bed. Proven scientific research shows that “blue lights” from electronics disrupts sleep. We as parents – should also consider our own screen time, for our mental health and as a model for our children.
Get Active! Just because students are back at school doesn’t mean the family has to be stuck in the house doing homework all night. Take your studying outside! Practice those state capitals as you kick the soccer ball back and forth, go for a walk with your kid and talk about the day. Studies have shown that children who take breaks from class work and are physically active are better able to concentrate on their school work. Short breaks of 5-20 minutes can improve attention span, behavior, and achievement on test scores (usatoday.com). Bonus – it may improve your relationship with your child.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help! – If you’re struggling with that homework assignment, that teacher, that bully at school, or that challenging relationship, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether it’s your parent, loved one, friend, teacher, counselor, PA, or doctor – speak up! Parents – if you’re struggling to keep up between work, school, appointments, practices, and the upkeep of your house – don’t be afraid to ask for help! Ask for your kid or loved one to help you cook dinner, empty the dishwasher, or even for a hug. If your mental health is compromised, your child’s mental health will be compromised. Take care of yourself, too.
— Kaitlin Reuss Stabler, PA-C
CAQ Psychiatry
Click Here https://mtpsychiatry.com/tips-for-back-to-school-success/
TMS
by Deb (age 64)
Category: generalThe hoops I jumped through in order to be evaluated were straightforward and efficient. I met with PA Kaitlin for about an hour to discuss my history and previous medications. Then Dr. Amato joined us to further discuss my history, the TMS treatment, and answer any questions. Myrna gathered all of the information and submitted it to my health insurance company to request coverage for TMS. Fortunately, insurance approved the treatment and I was able to begin the next week. I’m sure most people have anxiety about starting a treatment like TMS. No matter how many times it’s described to you, there are many unknowns. How will I feel during treatment? Is it painful? What if this doesn’t work? What if it works for a while but then stops? In all honesty, I was very uncomfortable during the first couple of weeks of treatment. The alternating two seconds of tapping sensation caused some pain during treatment, and at the end of the first week I thought about quitting. But I had sworn to myself that TMS was a last resort and I HAD TO complete the treatment and give it a chance to work. My technician, Heather, told me that some people don’t feel the tapping at all, they only hear it. Guess I wasn’t one of those people! But as the days went by, it became easier to tolerate the treatments. During this time I also saw Lauren weekly for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). This is highly recommended for people undergoing TMS treatment, and it was a positive complement to my total of 100 minutes each week “under the helmet”. The weekend between weeks three and four, I started to notice subtle improvements in my mood, increased belief in my self-worth, and enthusiasm for simple things like going for walks, meeting friends for lunch, and taking on volunteer work in the community. I hesitated at first to believe that TMS was helping me. I was afraid that I was convincing myself it was working because I so desperately wanted it to! But now that I am past the treatment I can say with cert
TMS
by Barbie (age 68)
Category: generalI feel so blessed to participate in the TMS protocol at MT Psychiatry. After struggling so many years with depression and not getting significant results from medication, particularly of late, I noticed positive results in the first two weeks of treatment. TMS can literally give you back the beauty & joy in living as well as the courage to make positive life changes and improvements in your daily living situation. I heartily encourage anyone to put yourself into the hands of the amazing TMS team who so gently and graciously make this journey with you out of the black hole that is depression. It is my honor and privilege to give the TMS treatment the highest recommendation.
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by Shayne (age 66)
Category: generalI am grateful for the support and caring I have received from Dr. Amato (and Heidi, Heather and Myrna) in my quest for mental health and a fuller more productive life. While the TMS results have been subtle, I feel more positive about my future and I would recommend this team absolutely. Thank you!
TMS
by Carrie (age 65)
Category: generalNot realizing how fuzzy my head was, I thought I was only going through severe anxiety and depression. Through the insight of Pat, I was able to go through TMS treatments which brought down the anxiety and depression immensely and has cleared up the fuzzy, far off substantially. All the personnel treated me with kindness and I’m sure their attitudes helped in my recovery.
TMS
by Bridget (age 47)
Category: generalThe first outcome of TMS I noted happened early in my treatment, at about the beginning of week two. I felt as though my “brain fog” had been chipped away. I wish I could report that I feel my mental health issues are in “remission”, but I can’t do so yet. My hope is that I will see improvement in the weeks to come, now that my TMS cycle has ended. I can say that my brain feels – in some way – different; I can’t explain exactly how. I continue to struggle at this point in time but sill have hope for more improvement.
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