Stress, anxiety, and depression were issues impacting young children and teens before COVID, but the pandemic has made things worse.

A big resource that is helping children cope with life issues is the Montefiore School Health Program. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Montefiore School Health Program helps over 40,000 students address mental health issues

  • The program has 32 school-based health centers in the Bronx and Yonkers

  • Dr. Delaney Gracy says signs to look out for with your kids are changes in sleeping and eating, mood changes, withdrawal, and a decrease in school performance

They're the largest hospital-sponsored program in the country providing health care services for over 40,000 students in the Bronx and Yonkers.

Dr. Delaney Gracy, director of clinical services for the program, joined NY1 to explain some of the challenges and some of the treatments that are out there. 

She says signs to look out for with your kids are changes in sleeping and eating, mood changes, withdrawal, and a decrease in school performance.

Dr. Gracy encourages talking to your children, asking them how they're doing and to see if they're lonely. She said it's a culture shift that starts with families.

If you or anyone you know needs help, you can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL or the national suicide prevention line at 1-800-273-TALK.