This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call or text 988. For more resources, click here.

WISCONSIN — While the first day of class for many Wisconsin students is still weeks away, experts said working on anxiety shouldn't wait.

"Create some time where you spend five minutes a day listening to what they're thinking about, what they're worried about," said Linda Hall, the director of the Office of Children's Mental Health for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. "Do they have some skills for managing the stress that they have or the worries that they have? If you can suggest a good coping skill for them, do that or model a good coping skill for them."

Hall said that back-to-school anxiety can add to a myriad of mental health challenges kids in Wisconsin are already facing year-round.

"Fifty percent of our kids are anxious, and 33% are feeling sad or hopeless every day for up to two weeks [straight]," Hall said. "Twenty-five percent of our girls [in Wisconsin] are seriously considering suicide."

Office of Children's Mental Health provides countless resources to parents. Access them, here. 

Watch the full interview above.