As summer comes to an end and we transition into more structured schedules, many of us are filled with feelings of hope and excitement for what’s to come. A new school year brings with it a wealth of opportunities and experiences waiting to be discovered.

However, alongside this excitement often lurk feelings of anxiety and apprehension. As parents, guardians, and educators, we worry about the challenges our children might face. Will they enjoy their classes? Will they forge strong, positive friendships? Will they stay safe and make wise choices? These concerns are natural and reflect our deep care for the well-being of the young people in our lives.

For our teenagers, these worries and other stressors can sometimes manifest into something more acute. According to recent data, 32% of Marin County 11th graders report persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness. This statistic is alarming and underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues with compassion and urgency. Adolescents, in their struggle to cope with these overwhelming emotions, may turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of self-medication.

A study published in the JAMA Pediatric journal reveals that "adolescents who use substances have more psychiatric symptoms than peers who do not use." This finding highlights the cyclical nature of substance use and mental health issues. When teens use substances to alleviate their emotional pain, they may inadvertently exacerbate their mental health struggles, leading to a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

As we step into this new school year, let's approach these challenges with a multifaceted strategy. Here are a few ways we can support our teens during this transition:

Foster Open Communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for teens to express their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to talk about their fears, anxieties, and struggles. For more tips on how to talk to your kids, download the Let’s Talk booklet (there is a version for high school students, as well as middle-school students. Both are available in Spanish and English).
Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Introduce teens to healthy ways of managing stress and emotions, such as exercise, art, music, and mindfulness practices. You can check out Numb or Nourish for more about how to retrain our brains to make mindful choices.
Stay Informed: Educate ourselves about the signs of substance use and mental health issues. Early detection can make a significant difference in providing timely support. Our instagram page is a great resource here, as is our MHYP website.
Set a Good Example: Demonstrate healthy ways of dealing with stress and uncertainty in our own lives. Teens often learn by observing the adults around them. Raising the Bar is a Marin-based initiative that breaks down the importance of parent modeling.
Build a Support Network: Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and mental health professionals to create a robust support system for our teens. Join our Private BTI Group on Facebook if you’d like a safe place to connect with other parents of teens.

As we embrace the new academic year, let's balance our hopes with mindful awareness of the challenges our children may face. By fostering an environment of understanding, support, and open dialogue, we can help our teens navigate the complexities of adolescence with resilience and grace. Together, we can ensure that this school year is not only a time of learning and growth but also a period of emotional well-being and self-discovery.

As always, thank you for being here with us and showing up for the kids in our community.