Study: More Than 40 Percent Of Students Struggled With Mental Health As Classes Resume

Many OKC metro school districts said this school year will be the first time they feel this will be a nearly normal school year since the pandemic began in 2020.

As students return to full-time in-person learning, some may be struggling with their mental health.

"We are seeing now significantly larger numbers -- about 40%, 50% more -- of young patients coming to our ER with depression, anxiety and feeling suicidal," said Dr. Britta Ostermeyer with OU Health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 44% of students over the past two years have experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. It is leading to an increase in suicidal thoughts.

Health experts said this is affecting female adolescents significantly more than males.

Doctors across the state, including OU Health, said it's important to start this school year right.

Among tips parents can implement: getting your student on a schedule as quickly as possible, making sure they get a full rest of eight hours, show them compassion with positive reinforcement and allowing your child know they can talk to you about anything.

"It's important that we listen,” Dr. Ostermeyer said. “And we want to understand and help and provide an environment that is supportive and safe.”

There are ways for students and parents to get help.

You can text or call 988 if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.