Expert views: How to navigate back-to-school stress

By Shahista Namale

The start of a new school year can be an incredibly stressful time for students of any age, and navigating mental health challenges can be tricky.

As the new school year begins, parents are encouraged to sit down with their children and have an open conversation before sending them off to school. This is because the transition can be overwhelming, and addressing mental health early is crucial.

Dr. Derrick Kiiza, the executive director of Mental Health Uganda, a nonprofit, emphasizes that childhood mental health has become an increasingly prominent subject. He notes that 20% of children and young people aged 3-17 experience a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioural disorder.

However, he acknowledges that addressing mental health can be challenging for both parents and children.

“When it comes to addressing mental health, parents often find it difficult to approach the subject, and children may struggle to open up,” says Dr. Kiiza.

He adds that not every child feels comfortable turning to their guardians for help, and some may prefer seeking support from professionals at school.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Kiiza offers practical advice: “There are still simple ways to approach a child and offer help, even without being a professional. For example, find out what is bothering the child, sit and talk with them about their concerns, and then think about the options for how they can get through that.”

According to recent studies, approximately 22.9% of children under 18 in Uganda experience a mental health disorder, with depression and anxiety being the most prevalent. Anxiety disorders affect 14.4% of children, while depressive disorders impact 22.2%. Globally, mental health challenges are common among school-going adolescents, with 50.2% experiencing depression and 43.6% dealing with anxiety disorders.

Sheikh Imran Ssali, Secretary for Religious Affairs at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, highlights the importance of fostering emotional well-being in children. He explains that parents should equip their children with tools to face life’s inevitable hardships.

“In an ever-evolving world, children face an increasing amount of stress and mental health challenges. I am not sure if this should be attributed to greater awareness or the current times that pose greater challenges. Parents often seek various means to support their children’s well-being, and one valuable, underestimated resource is the power of Duas (prayers),” says Sheikh Imran.

He encourages parents to incorporate Duas into their children’s lives, as they can help reduce stress and anxiety.

“The act of praying and expressing their worries to a higher power can create a sense of relief and calm,” he adds.

Sheikh Imran also reminds parents of the profound impact of a parent’s prayer for their child. He quotes the Messenger of Allah (pbuh):

“There are three supplications that will undoubtedly be answered: the supplication of an oppressed person, the supplication of the traveller, and the supplication of a parent over his child.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)

He advises parents to “always remind your child that no matter how messy the situation is, Allah is always bigger than our problems.”

Sheikh Imran further encourages parents to teach their children to turn to Duas in times of difficulty.

For instance, if a child reports an issue like bullying, parents should validate their feelings and guide them to make Dua.

“This teaches them invaluable and indispensable lessons, as Duas can help children reduce stress and anxiety,” he concludes.