Back to School: Recognizing Anxiety, Depression & ADHD in Children and Teens

Back-to-school season brings new routines, new teachers, new friendships—and sometimes new challenges.

While some stress and nervousness are completely normal during this transition, changes in your child or teenager's mood, behavior, academic performance, or relationships may be signs that they could benefit from additional support.

As parents, it isn't always easy to know what is a normal part of growing up and what may be something more. Anxiety, depression, ADHD, and difficulties with peers can look different in children and adolescents than they do in adults.

Signs of Anxiety in Children & Teens

Anxiety isn't always obvious worry. Children and teenagers may experience:

• Excessive worrying or frequently needing reassurance

• Difficulty sleeping or racing thoughts at bedtime

• Stomachaches, headaches, nausea, or other physical complaints

• Irritability or emotional outbursts

• Avoiding school, activities, or social situations

• Fear of making mistakes or perfectionism

• Difficulty concentrating

• Becoming unusually clingy or fearful

• Feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork or expectations

  
  

Signs of Depression

Depression in young people doesn't always look like sadness. Sometimes the most noticeable change is irritability, withdrawal, or simply seeming unlike themselves.

Signs may include:

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or anger

• Losing interest in friends, sports, hobbies, or activities they previously enjoyed

• Spending significantly more time alone

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Low energy or frequent fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating or declining grades

• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness

• Becoming more sensitive to rejection or criticism

• Talking about death, self-harm, or not wanting to be here

Any concerns about self-harm or suicide should be taken seriously and evaluated urgently.

Could It Be ADHD?

The structure and expectations of a new school year can sometimes make symptoms of ADHD more noticeable. Depending on the child, ADHD may involve difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination.

You may notice:

• Difficulty staying focused or completing assignments

• Frequently losing homework, school supplies, or personal belongings

• Forgetfulness and difficulty following multi-step instructions

• Trouble staying organized or managing time

• Constantly needing reminders

• Fidgeting or difficulty sitting still

• Interrupting or acting before thinking

• Difficulty waiting their turn

• Becoming easily distracted

• Doing well academically but requiring an excessive amount of effort or supervision to stay on track

  
  

Not every child with ADHD is hyperactive. Some children—particularly those with primarily inattentive symptoms—may simply appear forgetful, disorganized, overwhelmed, or "daydreamy."

When Friendships & School Become Difficult

Peer relationships are a huge part of childhood and adolescence. Bullying, social exclusion, changing friendships, academic pressure, and difficulty fitting in can significantly affect a child's mental health.

Pay attention if your child suddenly doesn't want to attend school, stops talking about friends they previously spent time with, frequently comes home upset, begins withdrawing socially, experiences unexplained physical complaints on school mornings, or has a noticeable change in confidence or self-esteem.

Sometimes kids don't know how to explain what they're experiencing. A change in behavior may be their way of telling you something isn't right.

You Don't Have to Wait Until Things Become Severe

If you've been wondering whether your child's behavior is "just a phase" or something that deserves more attention, it's okay to ask for help.

At ALYV Health, we provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management for children and adolescents experiencing concerns including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

We know families are busy—especially during the school year—so we've made scheduling as convenient as possible. We offer both in-person and telehealth appointments and will work with your family's schedule whenever possible.

Meet Our Providers

Carmen Hendrix, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Carmen is dual-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and sees patients in person at our Sioux Falls, South Dakota office, as well as through telehealth.

Brittany Schroeder, PMHNP

We recently welcomed Brittany to the ALYV Health team. Brittany is a Psychiatric Mental Health

Nurse Practitioner who provides convenient telehealth psychiatric care, allowing families to attend appointments from home.

Insurance & Scheduling

ALYV Health currently accepts:

• South Dakota Medicaid

• Avera Health Plans

• Sanford Health Plans

Additional major insurance plans are currently pending.

If you're unsure whether your insurance is accepted or have questions about coverage, email hello@alyvhealth.org.

This School Year, Pay Attention to More Than Grades

A successful school year isn't only about academics. Your child's emotional health, confidence, relationships, and overall well-being matter too.

If you're noticing changes in your child or teenager—or you simply feel like something isn't quite right—it may be time to schedule an appointment with ALYV Health.

Early support can make a meaningful difference.