The summer months are ending and back-to-school season is in full swing! As your child prepares to return to class, they may feel back-to-school anxiety. However, what is normal and what should be addressed?
It is natural for your child to experience a little anxiety related to schooling and education. However, there are definitely signs to be aware of when things have progressed beyond normal.
What are some signs of back-to-school anxiety?
For example, if you notice that your child is having extreme amounts of worry, difficulty calming down when thinking about school-related activities, inability to separate from you or unexplained physical ailments, they may be suffering from significant anxiety. When left untreated and unmanaged, anxiety can cause poor academic performance and an inability to thrive socially.
“Daily routines and structure are always vital in promoting a smooth transition back to school,” Lewis Spirtos, MD, an ABPN board-certified psychiatrist at Mercy Health – Youngstown, shares. “Additionally, when it comes to combatting anxiety, self-care in terms of adequate sleep, exercise and proper nutrition is also invaluable.”
Ways to deal with back-to-school anxiety
Mom, Dad and other caregivers are often the first line of defense when it comes to helping children deal with their anxiety about returning to school. Many kids, especially younger children, feel anxiety or dread when they don’t know what to expect.
Some ways you can help your child prepare for school starting include:
- Reintroduce the school routine ahead of the first day of school
- Show your child what to expect – drive the route to school, take them to see their school building, practice using their school supplies
- Identify some potentially challenging situations they may face and help them problem-solve some ways to deal with them
- Support your child with words of affirmation – a note in their lunch box, a sticky note on their bathroom mirror – to remind them that you support and love them
How long does back-to-school anxiety last?
Usually, children who are dealing with back-to-school anxiety may notice that their symptoms and anxious feelings begin to subside after the first few days or weeks. Once they get to know their teachers, classmates and classes, they may begin to settle into their routines, which can be comforting.
However, some children take a little longer to feel at ease. Consider making an appointment with your child’s teacher to get a better idea of how they are at school and what may be the most anxiety-provoking for them. Does your child feel like they have no one to sit with at lunch? Is riding the school bus particularly difficult? Encourage your child to discuss these issues with you and lend them your support.
What are some treatment options?
If your child’s symptoms of anxiety continue to progress and are significantly inhibiting, it may be time to look at more clinical options.
“Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most widely recognized form of psychotherapy in treating anxiety,” Dr. Spirtos says. “Often, this alone can be effective. However, there is also an array of anti-anxiety medications that can be helpful when appropriately prescribed.”
Treating back-to-school-anxiety
Dealing with your child’s anxiety right away is important because, when left untreated, it can cause or accelerate other emotional problems.
“Depression and anxiety can certainly precipitate each other, and these conditions manifest differently in different people,” Dr. Spirtos shares. “If someone is experiencing ongoing, untreated and unmanageable anxiety, this can certainly contribute to feelings of depression. In some instances, it can even lead to self-medication with illicit substances to try and ease the anxiety.”
When dealing with your child and a mental health-related illness like an anxiety disorder, it is imperative to remember that there are many resources available to help. You aren’t in this alone. Anxiety can be managed with the help of counseling, structure and medications. With proper treatment, it is entirely possible to return your child’s anxiety back to a normal level.
How we can help
If you feel like your child is struggling, reach out to a medical professional. You can start with your child’s pediatrician, or you can make an appointment directly with a mental health professional. From there, you can work with a provider to determine the best course of treatment that can allow your child to manage their anxiety going forward.
Learn about the integrated behavioral health and mental health services we offer at Mercy Health.
