Help for the Parents and Caregivers Who Support Students

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The role of an adult supporting a student may be challenging and difficult to navigate alone.

You may be worried about your student and interested in finding information on warning signs. You may also be feeling the weight and stress of having to support your student through their struggles. These situations may make us feel alone and overwhelmed.

You are not alone. Please review the information below designed to help the adults who support students.

What are Signs that my Student is Struggling?

Warning Signs of Mental Health Concerns

Knowing the warning signs and recognizing emerging mental health concerns is important to ensure that students are able to access supports when in need of help.

Review the Mental Health America (MHA) Signs and Symptoms Guide to look for:

  • Problems with concentration, memory or ability to think clearly
  • Changes in appetite
  • Feeling sad, empty, hopeless or worthless
  • Loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy
  • Excessive worry
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Changes in sleep
  • Angry outbursts
  • Not wanting to be around people or take part in activities
  • Hearing or seeing things that other people don't
  • Extreme panic
  • Onset of new behaviors or rituals that are repeated
  • Mood swings or frequent shifts in energy
  • Changes in how they dress (e.g. long pants and shirts in hot weather to hide self-injury)

10 Common Warning Signs in Teens and Young Adults

Warning Signs of Suicide

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most youth who die by suicide show some Warning Signs and Behavioral Changes. Common signs include:

  • Talking about killing oneself, feeling hopeless, feeling like a burden, or having no reason to live
  • Mood changes, including severe depression, anxiety, and agitation
  • Behavioral changes:
    • Increased substance use
    • Withdrawing from activities and isolating from family and friends
    • Sleeping too much or not enough
    • Giving away prized possessions
    • Extreme irritability

Emergency Notice: If you or someone that you know is experiencing a psychiatric emergency, please dial 911 immediately.

24/7 Crisis Support: If you or someone that you know is struggling emotionally, experiencing an issue with drugs or alcohol, or having a hard time, please call or text 988 to connect with the San Diego Access and Crisis Line.

How Can I Be Supportive?

Illustration representing questions and support

As a parent or caregiver, you need to be prepared for dealing with problems—big and small. That includes taking care of your child's mental health. Important steps to take include:

  • Learn how to recognize warning signs early
  • Connect them with professional mental health services
  • Provide steady emotional support and open communication
  • Encourage a balanced, healthy lifestyle
  • Help them feel connected to family, school, and community

Mental Health Webinars to Support Parents and Caregivers

The San Diego County Office of Education has created a Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents and Caregivers in partnership with Rady’s Children Health to help support mental health awareness. Each topic includes a recorded webinar and slide deck to facilitate understanding and learning.

2026 Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents / Caregivers
  • How Trauma Impacts Children and Youth and What You Can Do About It (recording / slides)
  • Disconnect to Reconnect: Reclaiming Attention, Presence, and Peace at Home (recording / slides)
  • The Developing Brain: Understanding Childhood and Youth Through a Neuroscience Lens (recording / slides)
  • The Power of Positive Experiences: Building Resilience at Home (recording / slides)
2025 Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents / Caregivers
2024 Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents / Caregivers
  • Cultivating School-Life Balance to Support Academic Success (recording / slides)
  • From Darkness to Light: A Parent’s Guide to Recognizing and Responding to Youth Depression (recording / slides)
  • Mental Health 101: Everything Parents Need to Know to Support Youth at Home (recording / slides)
  • Social Media’s Impact on Youth Mental Health (recording / slides)
  • When Anxiety Attacks: How You Can Help (recording / slides)
2023 Mental Health Webinar Series for Parents / Caregivers
  • Depression and Anxiety: The Mental Health Challenges Facing Youth Today (recording / slides)
  • The Real Deal: Connection Between Vaping, Cannabis Use, and Mental Health (recording / slides)
  • What You Need To Know About Eating Disorders (recording / slides)

What if I Need Help Getting Through This Too?

Supporting students and navigating their behavioral health needs requires emotional energy, patience, and persistence. Caregivers often focus entirely on the student while placing their own needs on hold.

Recognizing and meeting your own mental, emotional, and physical health needs gives you the foundation to remain available and strong for your student.

Self-Guided Caregiver Resources

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Resources

Where Can Parents Find Additional Support?

NAMI San Diego (National Alliance on Mental Illness) provides extensive free support, education, and advocacy for families: