How to talk to kids about their mental health

Chicago Public School students return to the classroom Aug. 22 at a time when kids are reporting higher levels of anxiety and depression.

By Marie Mendoza
WBEZ
Enrollment in Chicago Public Schools has been declining for years. CPS officials tell WBEZ they aren't expecting a significant decline for this fall. WBEZ
WBEZ
Enrollment in Chicago Public Schools has been declining for years. CPS officials tell WBEZ they aren't expecting a significant decline for this fall. WBEZ

How to talk to kids about their mental health

Chicago Public School students return to the classroom Aug. 22 at a time when kids are reporting higher levels of anxiety and depression.

By Marie Mendoza
WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

With the start of school on the horizon, many parents are concerned about how the upcoming school year will affect their child’s mental health. From the pandemic to the return of in-person learning, students have many stressors in their lives. So what conversations should parents be having with their children ahead of back-to-school?

Reset learns more from a child psychologist and a trauma therapist, two panelists from WBEZ and Illinois Latino News’ community conversation on Chicago student mental health.

GUESTS: Dr. Tara Gill, psychologist and mental health consultant at Lurie Children’s Hospital’s Center for Childhood Resilience

Lucia Del Rincon Martinez, trauma therapist at La Rabida Children’s Hospital