Sometimes the first day of school isn’t all that it’s cut out to be… doors will open and students will crowd the floors heading to their first class of the day. While some students may eagerly anticipate this day, there are some other children or young adults with anxiety disorders or mental illnesses, that see it as a day full of gloom and dread. The school year may be particularly difficult for students who may have just moved, are first-timers to middle or high school, or may not have many friends.
To these students fear begins to consume their ever thoughts and it overwhelms them. Ask any anxious teen if back to school fear pre-occupies his/her mind and you’ll probably hear the same answer every time :
yes. What are my teachers going to be like when we get back? Will I get l picked on this year? Will my friends still like me? What if I embarrass myself this year? Who are my teachers? Will I like my teachers? Will I make good grades? Will my courses be too hard? Will I know anyone in my classes? Will I have lunch with my friends? Will I get lost? Will I fit in? Will people like me?
The questions are endless and it’s all the cycle of back to school jitters.
Avoiding school is a option but not a very good one because you’ll get used to skipping and you’ll never want to go back. If you or someone you know is experiencing back to school anxiety this is how you can help him or her.
1. Make sure you get an early night the night before and if your feeling like it’s impossible to sleep find a meditation video on YouTube or a sleep hypnosis video and it will help calm your nerves and make you sleepy.
2.) schedule a time to walk in through the school building allowing yourself or your friend to find the first class on the first day. This will ease a lot of fear.
3. If you are new and the school offers a buddy program or you just want to join , go ahead and sign yourself up. This can be especially beneficial to somebody that’s new to the area. You will not only learn rules and procedures, but also will have the opportunity to make new friends as well
4.) Make sure you are eating healthy, and you are getting plenty of rest and exercise. When we get stressed we often neglect the basics of staying healthy and that’s no different for teens and adults. When coping with life, especially back to school jitters a hungry, sleep deprived teenager is an emotional roller coaster waiting to happen. 😂😂
5.) if it’s your friend or sibling who is anxious encourage them to talk to you about his / her feelings. Let them know that what they are feeling is completely normal.
6.) if your a parent or a teacher help the teenager fit in. Teenagers spend so much time worrying over belonging and fitting in. Encourage them to get involved in clubs, sports, music and other activities that Spark there interest but remember don’t force them Be gentle and patient.
7. Talk with your school counselor before school begins. School counselors are wonderful advocates and can help you and your friends make healthy transitions and they can give you advice if need be.
When You Need to Get Professional Help if nothing else has helped:
Sometimes, stress, fear and worry can exceed what’s considered normal. If you notice any of the signs below, please seek professional help immediately.
Seek help if your anxiety:
• is more frequent and intense than usual.
• doesn’t seem to be getting better.
• pre-occupies your mind the majority of the time or all the time.
• interferes with eating and sleeping
• interferes with everyday functioning and activities, including work or home work
• is out of proportion to the actual situation.
• is leading to depression or anxiety disorders.
Back to school anxiety is common. Anxiety is the body’s way of alerting us to respond to dangerous or stressful events. It isn’t always a bad emotion, it can actually be helpful. Anxiety can help us stay focused, motivated and move us into action if need be. So you may need to go through the feelings of anxiety in order to mentally prepare for the first day of school. Remember though Some of us have a harder time adjusting than others. If you are continuously struggling with anxiety you may need to get some professional help. But I assure you things will be okay, this is your year so make it shine and don’t worry about what the bullies say! You are unique, and loved and you are going to rock this school year.
I Wish you and all your friends a wonderful school year!
All my love,
heyitschloejade 