Back to school and its impact on our youth

As the new school year begins, students face a variety of stressors that can heavily impact their mental health. The transition from a relaxed summer to a structured and demanding schedule is jarring. Academic stress is a primary concern, as students worry about maintaining high grades, managing heavy workloads, and the constant pressure to excel for future opportunities. This creates a breeding ground for perfectionism and a deep-seated fear of failure. Social pressures also loom large, especially for those navigating new environments or shifting friend groups. Students can feel anxious about fitting in, making new connections, or facing past conflicts or bullying. These anxieties are often exacerbated by the influence of social media. With platforms like TikTok, Snap Chat and Instagram dominating our culture, young people are exposed to an endless stream of unrealistic expectations of who they should be. This can fuel comparison, lower self-esteem, and create a fear around belonging and missing out, leading to increased rates of depression and anxiety. To support young people, it’s critical for parents, teachers, and other primary adults to foster opportunities for open communication, prioritize healthy habits like sleep and exercise, and encourage balance between academic rigor and mindful self-care.

Ideas: create a visual schedule that supports clear boundaries with completing academic work and breaks for self-care. Identify a percentage of time that adequately supports work and breaks, tha

t makes you feel successful but not overspent. Self-care can include time with supportive people in your life, getting outdoors, enjoying hobbies and time for yourself to find creativity and relaxation.