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Important SNAP Updates: See what’s changing and where to get support. Learn more
Important SNAP Updates: See what’s changing and where to get support. Learn more

Fall Mental Health: A Checklist for Families

School stress can grow as the days get shorter. Use this list to help your child or teen stay supported, confident, and focused all season long.

Tips for Youth

  • Keep Sleep Schedules Steady: Stick to regular bedtime and wake-up times, even as dark mornings and shorter days make it harder to get out of bed.
  • Talk About Fall Stress: Help kids share how they feel about grades or school friends. It is normal to feel tired or stressed as the semester goes on!
  • Check In on Homework Habits: Set a quiet time for homework each day, so schoolwork does not pile up or cause night-time worry.

  • Stay Active Together: Encourage teens to stick with after-school clubs, sports, or group activities to keep healthy in-person friendships throughout the fall.
  • Re-set Digital Limits: Check in on phone and social media rules to make sure screens are not taking away from sleep or family time.
  • Manage Fall Schedules: Help older youth practice managing schedules, tracking project deadlines, planning study time, and managing busy weekly routines.
  • Make Time for Yourself: Encourage kids to set aside a few minutes each day to do something they enjoy without feeling pressured by school or chores.

  • Somethings (Ages 13–21): Match with a young adult mentor who understands peer stress and everyday challenges.
  • Adolescent to Adulthood (Ages 17+): Specialized care management for those who will soon be leaving the YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois.
  • MindCare: Mental health care is covered at no cost through YouthCare MindCare. Each member is unique. And we’re ready to help address their needs.
  • GuidedCare: Talk to a coordinator to get help with doctor visits, rides, or find healthy food. Contact your GuidedCare Coordinator for assistance with programs that may be available to you.
  • Find a Counselor: We have more than 29,000 doctors and therapists ready to help you.
  • Act Early: If you notice mid-semester stress, burnout, or mood changes, reach out right away to your care manager. Getting help early keeps small problems from growing.

For parents and caregivers

  • Check-in Daily: Ask kids about their day during car rides or dinner. Ask simple questions like 'What went well today?' and listen without judgment.
  • Be Patient: Understand that school fatigue can show up as irritability, moodiness, or acting out. Use calm support and patience when stress levels run high.
  • Notice Changes: Watch for changes in sleep, eating, or sudden grade drops. If a child seems very crabby, they may need extra support.
  • Changes in Social Habits: Note increases (or decreases) in cell phone use, not wanting to spend time with friends, and signs of bullying.
  • Spending free time differently: Notice if a child is alone in their room more often or if they stop doing activities they used to enjoy.
  • Take Care of Yourself: Caregivers need rest and space to recharge, too. You can best support your child when you take care of your own well-being.

Additional Resources

Illinois CARES Line (Crisis and Referral Entry Services): If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis, call the 24-hour line at 800-345-9049 (TTY: 773-523-4504).

  • The CARES line staff will help direct you to the care the member needs.
  • In some cases, CARES will send a Mobile Crisis Response worker to the place of the person in crisis within 2 hours.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If anyone in your family has thoughts of harming themselves or others, call 988. You’ll be connected to a mental health professional.

  • You can also call 911 or go to the closest emergency room.