Back-to-School Anxiety Is Real for Illinois Students
Back-to-school anxiety is something many students experience, even if they don't always talk about it. The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but it can also bring stress, nerves, and uncertainty about what is ahead.
I know this feeling all too well.
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When I was in school, I had the worst anxiety, especially when it came to going back after summer break. Even though I knew I would probably know most of the people in my classes, I would still feel nervous walking into a classroom. There is something intimidating about opening that door and walking into a classroom full of people. You feel like everyone is looking at you, even though, realistically, most people are probably focused on themselves.
That feeling can make the first few days of school especially difficult. Students may worry about where they are supposed to sit, who they will talk to, how their teachers will be or whether they will fit in. Sometimes, the anticipation is worse than the actual experience.
75% of high school students and 50% of middle schoolers consistently feel stressed. Dr. Ariana Hoet, pediatric psychologist and executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, said stress can occur even when good things are happening. [scrippsnews]
How Illinois Students Can Combat Back-to-School Anxiety
Let give you a few ways to manage back-to-school anxiety:
- Preparing your clothes ahead of time
- Getting your backpack packed and put by the front door
- Have a consistent sleep schedule (don't go to bed at 1am)
- Remember you are not alone in feeling stressed out!
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What feels like everyone watching you is often just your anxiety making the moment feel bigger than it really is. Once you get through that first step into the classroom, and first day of school, things will totally become easier!
