Back to school anxiety is real and from academic responsibilities, social pressures, bullying, amongst many other stresses that the current state of the world has given us, what should be an exciting time is increasingly another dread for many families and students. Sometimes you just need someone who is non-judgement to lend an ear.
Free mental health awareness app, HearMe, provides an all-inclusive resource where everyone can be heard, understood, and empathized with.
Adam Lippin founder and father, understands the struggles that may come with children in school. Recently dropping off his son at college, the purpose of HearMe roots from first-hand experiences and with a goal to change the way mental health is treated in society. As an LGBTQ+ parent, Lippin has struggled in his past and found a new way to communicate with others.
The on-demand peer support platform is one where people can chat with one another, feel connected, and provide much needed relief via the art of listening. HearMe envisions a world where all people are understood and heard the moment they need it, allowing them to thrive as individuals and collectively as members of their community. With 92% of users feeling better after chatting with a user, the platform is designed for the use of everyone and all, the stressful season of back-to-school doesn’t have to be as stressful with HearMe.
I had a chance to learn more in this interview.
What are some mental health considerations families need to take into account as the school year starts?
One of the major mental health considerations for the start of the school year is anxiety. It’s important to identify what factors are contributing to anxiety and the degree to which it is impacting a student’s ability to manage daily life. Some apprehension around change is normal, but it can easily become overwhelming without some protective factors in place.
Families should have open and honest communication surrounding any fears or anxiety and, most importantly, acknowledge that all emotions that come up are real and valid. Sometimes, emotions are difficult to identify so using tools like a “feelings wheel” can be useful. When determining the root of anxiety, asking specific questions such as, “Are you worried about the workload?” “Does being around anyone at school make you nervous?” “When you picture yourself at school, what thoughts come up?” can also be helpful.
Open communication can help families determine the best way to navigate emotions or help to identify more serious issues that require additional resources and support. Some other mental health concerns to look out for include loneliness, isolation, and depression; self-image issues and disordered eating; struggles with identity; bullying or abuse; violence and anger issues; alcohol and substance use; and self-harm and thoughts of suicide. For US-based crisis support, contact 9-8-8.
While children and teens are incredibly resilient, it is also important to acknowledge the impact that the pandemic, gun violence, and the current state of the country has on students of all ages and to continue to provide support for navigating individual and collective trauma.
How can students be aware of their own mental health at the beginning of the school year?
For students, being able to identify and communicate how they are feeling and having a safe space to do so can increase awareness of mental health. Additional tools such as practicing mindfulness, using creative outlets like journaling, and cognitive behavioral techniques such as identifying negative thoughts can also help in becoming more aware of overall mental health and wellness. Most importantly, students need to know that they are not alone and who to turn to when they need support.
What are some warning signs for parents, caregivers, and teachers to be on the lookout for?
Warning signs of emotional distress or crisis may include extended periods of withdrawal or isolation; mention of suicide or self-harm; physical symptoms such as weight loss, extreme tiredness, trouble breathing; signs of alcohol or drug use; changes in eating; violent behavior or increased aggression; impulsivity; drastic changes in personality or mood; abrupt changes in friendships/relationships; spending more time online and/or looking at concerning materials. For younger children, anxiety and other more serious concerns such as abuse often present as physical symptoms like stomach aches.
It’s important to remember that some changes are just a part of being a child or adolescent. Navigating when to intervene can be scary and challenging. The best thing to do for students is to create as many safe spaces as possible for them to turn to when they need support for all aspects of their lives.
What is HearMe and how does it help improve mental health?
The HearMe app provides a safe and anonymous space to connect with trained culturally affirming peers for emotional support 24 hours a day. Loneliness and the lack of a social support system are leading indicators of poor outcomes. HearMe works to directly combat loneliness by fostering genuine human connection and providing everyone access to social and emotional support the moment they need it. Members are able to choose the topics that matter to them, such as parenting or issues impacting college students, and are connected with trained listeners who make sure they are seen, heard, validated, and supported.
Peer support is the evidence-based practice where people with shared lived experiences provide knowledge, emotional, social, or practical help to each other. It has been proven to alleviate mental health symptoms, reduce in-patient admission rates and longer community tenure, and decrease substance abuse and depression.
About HearMe
HearMe is an on-demand emotional wellness platform that connects members to trained listeners for instantaneous text chat, anytime and anywhere. With thousands of empathetic listeners across the globe, HearMe helps you find support, release stress, and feel better through one-on-one peer support. HearMe is also available to businesses and enterprises, allowing employers to offer mental wellness to their workforces. With strong foundational principles as their guiding force, HearMe’s diverse community of dedicated and trained listeners creates a sustainable peer support network that offers wide-ranging benefits for both those receiving the support and listeners themselves. There aren’t many opportunities for authentic connection in daily life; HearMe makes these connections possible whenever you need them.
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