There are many reasons to be anxious about beginning a new school year, regardless of whether or not you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Making the dramatic transition from summertime to a busy school schedule is difficult enough without the stresses of making new friends, finding your classes, or leaving home. Whether you are entering your second year of high school or your final year of college, you are not alone in these concerns and fears. Here are some tips and resources for dealing with back-to-school anxiety at any age.
Back to High School
Even if you are excited to start high school or return for the new school year, you may also feel anxiety. Don’t worry, this is normal, and you can feel both of these things at once! Though you may not be entering a new town or a new school, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has likely impacted the course of your schooling in the past few years. There are many feelings of uncertainty linked to in-person schooling as mask requirements have changed but the virus still remains. It is important to assess your own personal comfort level with mask-wearing and keeping your distance from other students.
One of the greatest stressors for high school students is their social life, as they worry about feeling accepted by their peers. In this sense, in-person schooling is beneficial as it provides opportunities to socialize, but also stressful as it forces teens to interact with their peers on a daily basis. Many studies suggest, however, that it is not about the quantity of connections you make, but the quality. Popularity is not indicative of strong mental health. In fact,
“Having one good friend is enough to protect against loneliness and to help bolster self-esteem and academic engagement.”
Keep this in mind as you return or start your first year of high school this fall, and focus on the quality of your friendships over the quantity.
Back to College
Colleges provide many resources for mental health, so be sure to research what is available to you before starting or returning to school. If you are worried about finding your classes, meeting new people, or succeeding academically, look into the services provided by campus guides, talk to your RA, and attend club fairs or tutoring sessions. Most colleges provide all of these services, you just need to know where to look! It is important to note that these are not just for first-year students, there is help available for any level of student. Knowing where to find help before you begin a new school year is a great way to prevent feelings of anxiety or helplessness before they even start.
If you are starting your first year of college, you more than likely are anxious about being away from home for the first time. As normal as this feeling is, it is important to assess whether you are homesick or experiencing a more serious form of emotional unrest as the school year progresses. Luckily, many who experience homesickness can “bounce back” from these feelings after connecting with loved ones or visiting home. If these symptoms persist, it may be time to talk to a psychiatrist about medicine for anxiety or depression. Luckily, you can be prescribed medicine virtually so you can receive help wherever you decide to go to college.
Find What Works for You
Depending on the severity and nature of your back-to-school anxiety, you may find some solutions to be more successful than others. Many people find grounding techniques helpful in refocusing on the present moment in times of severe anxiety. To prevent anxiety from taking its hold, it is incredibly important to practice a good diet and exercise regimen. Make sure you are getting enough sleep as you get ready to go back to school, as exhaustion can contribute to anxiety (and your sleep schedule will likely need to transition out of summertime!). These tips are not enough for somebody suffering from more serious anxiety, so be sure to take your prescribed medication as well. If your anxiety medication does not seem to help with your back-to-school anxiety, consult with your psychiatrist to discuss an alternative.
In Conclusion
It is perfectly normal to be experiencing back-to-school anxiety at any age, but if it is affecting your everyday life and persisting into the school year, it may be time to take more concrete measures to counteract it. If you have never taken anxiety medication, read our blog about what to expect. Take advantage of school and online resources to combat back-to-school anxiety. For instance, Mental Health America releases a toolkit every year for back-to-school, including resources for adults, kids, and teens.
When beginning a new school year, it can be hard to find time to prioritize yourself. At Shannon Psychiatry I provide flexible telehealth appointments so you can keep up with your busy schedule and still prioritize your mental health! Whether you’re looking for a next-day appointment or just have a busy schedule, I can find a time that works for you. Contact me today to get started!