Grand Junction, CO: Experts call for back-to-school mental health check

July 15, 2026, KJCT8:  Back-to-school mental health readiness

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) -District 51 students return to the classroom in about a month, and mental health experts are urging parents to treat mental wellness as an essential part of back-to-school preparation.

While many families focus on signing up for classes and buying school supplies, experts say mental health readiness is often missing from that checklist — and that helping children shift from a summer mindset to a school mindset matters.

What children may be feeling

Nick Neujahr, a therapy supervisor in Colorado with SOL Mental Health, said children heading back to school are likely experiencing a mix of emotions.

“Most likely children are feeling both some mix of anxiety and excitement,” Neujahr said. “They’re excited to see their friends, they’re excited to have fun at school, and there’s probably some anxiety as well. And as easy as it may be to assume what that anxiety might be about, it’s important that we check in with our children and talk to them directly.”

How stress affects learning

Neujahr also said unaddressed mental stressors can interfere with a child’s ability to learn.

“If children or adults are flooded mentally by other stressors, other things, maybe some adverse experiences that have happened in the distant past or the recent past that may overwhelm somebody’s ability to function mentally, to be open to taking in new information, then that will make learning a lot more difficult for a child or a student,” he said.

Steps parents can take

Mental health experts recommend moving students back to a consistent sleep schedule and balancing screen time. They also advise checking in with children emotionally and making sure children know who they can go to if they feel overwhelmed.