Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead By: Sunny Patel, M.D., M.P.H., Center for Mental Health Services

Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead By: Sunny Patel, M.D., M.P.H., Center for Mental Health Services https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/back-to-school-and-mental-health-supporting-children?utm_source=SAMHSA&utm_campaign=2482962d75-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_16_07_50&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-2482962d75-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&utm_source=SAMHSA&utm_campaign=0dbad6c6f1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_08_23_01_49&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-0dbad6c6f1-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D As the heat of the summer reaches its peak, and (hopefully soon) gives way to the cooler autumn breezes, it’s time for children and youth to return to school. As we prepare for the new academic year, it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies, it's also about mental health. SAMHSA is committed to promoting mental health and preventing substance misuse as a critical part of overall health and wellness. As part of this commitment, we want to equip parents, teachers, and students with resources and tools to foster a mentally healthy return to school.