Heading back to school can be a big mix of feelings. There’s the excitement of seeing friends again and getting new school supplies, but it’s also totally normal to feel a little nervous or even scared. This feeling, sometimes called back-to-school anxiety, is real, and it affects a lot of kids. At Turning Point, we want you to know that it’s okay to feel this way and that you’re not alone.
Why Do We Feel Anxious?
Going back to school is a huge change, and change can be tough. Your brain and body get used to the relaxed, no-school-alarm schedule of summer. Then, suddenly, everything shifts!
You might feel worried about:
- New things: A new teacher, a new classroom, or even a new school can feel intimidating. Will you get lost? Will you like your teacher?
- Friends: What if your friends have changed over the summer? Will you still fit in? Will you have someone to sit with at lunch?
- Schoolwork: Classes might feel harder. You might worry about tests, homework, or getting good grades.
- Bullies or Fitting In: The fear of being picked on or not fitting in is a common worry for many kids.
What You Can Do
The good news is that you have a lot of power to help yourself feel better. Think of these as tools for your “Mental Health Toolkit.” 🛠️
1. Talk About It 🗣️
This is one of the most important things you can do. Find a trusted adult—like a parent, a school counselor, a teacher, or even a coach—and tell them how you’re feeling. Sharing your worries out loud can make them feel a lot smaller. It’s their job to listen and help you figure things out.
2. Create a “Worry Box” 📦
Sometimes, when your thoughts are bouncing around in your head, it’s hard to catch them. Try this: get a small box or a journal. When you have a worry, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the box. This helps get the worry out of your head and gives you a chance to deal with it later. You can even read them with a parent and talk about them together.
3. Get Back into a Routine ⏰
Our brains love routine! A week or two before school starts, try going to bed and waking up at the same time you will during the school year. This helps your body get ready for the new schedule, which can make the first few days feel less jarring.
4. Try Mindfulness 🧘
Mindfulness is all about paying attention to the present moment. If you feel your heart racing or your tummy starting to hurt, try a simple breathing exercise. Breathe in slowly for a count of 4, hold it for a count of 4, and then breathe out for a count of 6. Doing this a few times can help calm your body down.
5. Focus on the Fun Stuff 🎉
Remember all the things you were excited about? Focus on those! Maybe it’s a favorite club you’re joining, a subject you love, or the chance to try a new sport. Thinking about the positive parts can help balance out the worries.
When to Ask for More Help
Sometimes, anxiety can feel too big to handle on your own. If your worries are making it hard to sleep, eat, or do things you normally enjoy, it might be time to ask for more help. Talking to a professional, like a therapist or a counselor, is a sign of strength, not weakness. They have special tools and strategies to help you navigate these feelings and get back to feeling like yourself.
At Turning Point Behavioral Health, we’re here to help kids just like you. Remember, your feelings are valid, and it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. We’re here to help you find your turning point.
#teenmentalhealth #backtoschool #mentalhealth #turningpoint
Leave a Reply