Back to School Anxiety

Last year, this column was devoted to back to school time, including tips on re-setting sleep schedules and planning for healthy lunches. We rarely speak about the toll that a return to school has on mental health – for both students and their caregivers. A return to routine from the hazy, lazy days of summer can cause anxiety.

For students, the anxiety may be simply transition-related, but may also be worry about achieving academically, keeping friendships or being bullied. For caregivers, anxiety is often related to hectic schedules, getting organized, preparing meals and return to extracurricular activities for children.

To help students through this transition, it is important to normalize talking about mental health. Start early in August to discuss sources of anxiety as well as strategies to cope. Open the door to keeping that discussion alive during the school year. Teaching strategies, such as time for quiet reflation, journalling and talking through concerns, can be started early so that there is trust in place before a crisis begins.

We also need to prioritize our own health as caregivers. Taking time to reflect and building in time for a walk or self-care to avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed is key. Organizing with other caregivers for time together to support one another before the start of the school year can build these opportunities into our routines.

Finally, embrace change rather than dreading it. Talk as a family about the beauty of the challenge and the newness of it all. The new backpack or pencil case is symbolic of the opportunity to start with a clean slate.

 

Dr. Bhooma Bhayana is a family physician in London and the mother of two young men and proud grandmother of three! She continues to find wonder and enjoyment in family practice despite more than 30 years on the job!