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How to Avoid Back to School Blues

  • gbhconsultants
  • 7 hours ago
  • 4 min read

kids walking down school steps to the bus

Can you believe it is that time of year again? Summer is coming to an end and it's time to get the kids ready to go back to school! This time of year can bring a lot of emotions and changes for both children and parents. Days are jam backed from trying to get everyone out the door in the morning, finishing homework, juggling extra-curricular activities, and get everyone in bed at a reasonable time to do it all again the next day! No wonder everyone is constantly asking if it's Friday yet!


What Are Back to School Blues?

Back to school blues describes the feeling someone may have when the school year starts up again after summer break. Some people may experience anxiety or depression when the start of school year is on its way which can inhibit them from feeling prepared for the new school year.


Who Experiences Back to School Blues?

Students, parents, teachers, and others may face back to school blues as summer winds down. Depending on each person’s unique circumstances, they may have feelings of anticipation, stress, worry, or sadness about the year ahead. 


For instance, a senior in high school may have a mix of excited feelings with sadness since their time with friends is coming to an end and the stress of college applications is looming. A kindergarten teacher, in contrast, may be looking forward to meeting new students eager to learn what it’s like to be a student but also concerned about what changes they have in store from previous years.


Why Are Back to School Blues a Concern?

Back to school blues may sound like a minor problem, but they are a sign of a larger mental health crisis in society. Some alarming statistics from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) around school-aged children and mental health include: 


  • 1 in 6 children between the ages of 6 and 17 experience a mental health condition each year.

  • 50% of all mental illnesses begin by the time a person is 14.

  • Suicide among young people ages 10 to 14 is the second leading cause of death; for people ages 15 to 24, it is the third leading cause of death. 


School can be a fun environment, but it is not without stressors that may make a child experiencing a mental health crisis feel worse. Concerns about emotions as the school year approaches should be taken seriously.


What Can You Do to Combat Back to School Blues?

So how can you make things just a little bit easier this year? Being proactive to help your child and family with the transition and getting organized will help prepare your family for the busy year ahead!


Below are five tips that will help you get ready for the school year!


1. Get the House Organized

It is important to come up with strategies to keep the household running efficiently and get everyone involved in the task. Set up a filing system so school papers, mail, and other paperwork are can be put away daily and easy to find later. Develop a chore chart so everyone can help keeping the house clean and incorporate chores into the daily routine. Spend a little time preparing some quick and easily meals for nights when you don't have time to cook! Pre-prepped freezer meals and crockpots/instapots can be a lifesaver!


2. Make a Day of Stocking Up On Supplies

Get the back to school list and figure out what your child needs this year. Look at the sales and plan a day with your child to go shop for clothes and supplies. When your child knows they have the right tools and new things they will feel excited and prepared for the new year. Be sure to get all the basics and allow room in the budget for a couple of splurges (e.g. cool notebooks, fancy pens, etc.)


3. Reconnect With the School and Old Friends

If your child's school provides an open house to tour the school and meet the teacher be sure to go. This can ease their anxiety and remind them of familiar places. If this is not an option, it may be helpful to visit the schools website to look at pictures of their school and teacher.


Parents should also contact their child's teacher to discuss the best ways to learn about classroom activities and assignments as well as how to contact the teacher if needed. Also try to schedule playdates with children you know that will be in your child's class so there are some familiar faces at the beginning of the year.


4. Ease Into the Routine

The first day of school is not the best time for a drastic change in schedule. Approximately two weeks before school start with a more regular bedtime and begin practicing the morning routine. Decide what strategies will help decrease stress in the morning and practice these as well.


Pick out clothes the night before, make sure backpacks and lunches are ready, have easily accessible breakfast foods, practice your morning schedule, and getting to school/bus stop on time. Routines help children feel more comfortable and make the first day of school go much smoother.


5. Discuss and Plan For Upcoming Activities

Create a central calendar to keep track of all the activities. Having a calendar that everyone can access is important so people know what to expect! This can also help parents plan ahead for transportation and additional care when needed. Reference the calendar to help children plan for their day. This can be helpful to help the child slowly prepare for the beginning of the school year as well.


Cramming reviews for the upcoming school year into the last few days of summer can create anxiety for your child so it is best to do this over a longer period of time.


Contact a Therapist at Gateway Behavioral Health Consultants

Hopefully these tips will help you and your family get ready for the best school year yet! If you notice you or your child are still having challenges around the beginning of school year or significantly interferes with other areas of your life it is important to seek help. GBHC provides psychological assessments and therapy for teens and adults to help with a wide range of mental health conditions. Contact us for more information about services. 


 
 
 

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