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Back To School Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Back To School Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Children Mental Health

Now that our long summer days are behind us and the school year has begun, many children experience excitement and anxiety. For some, the return to school can spark significant worry and stress, known as “back-to-school anxiety.” At Advanced Behavior Health Inc. (ABH) in Maryland, we understand the challenges that both children and parents face during this time, and we are here to offer guidance, support, and professional care.

Understanding Back To School Anxiety

Back-to-school anxiety is a common experience for many children, characterized by feelings of fear and worry about returning to the classroom. Various factors can trigger this anxiety, including:

Separation from Parents: Younger children may struggle with being away from their parents for an extended period, especially after a long summer break.
Academic Expectations: The pressure to perform well academically can weigh heavily on students, leading to feelings of inadequacy or fear of failure.
Social Challenges: Navigating friendships, peer groups, and social interactions can be a significant source of anxiety for children, particularly if they have experienced bullying or exclusion in the past.
New Environments: Entering a new school or moving up to a higher grade level can be overwhelming, as children may worry about unfamiliar teachers, classmates, or routines.

Signs and Symptoms of Back To School Anxiety

Recognizing the signs of back-to-school anxiety is crucial for providing timely support. Children may express their anxiety in various ways, including:

Emotional Symptoms: Fear, nervousness, irritability, or sadness are common emotional responses to school-related stress.
Behavioral Symptoms: Avoiding school-related activities, refusing to attend school, frequent crying spells, or having temper tantrums can indicate anxiety.
Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing are physical manifestations of anxiety that children may experience.

At ABH, we encourage parents to stay attuned to these signs and seek professional help if their child’s anxiety becomes overwhelming or begins to interfere with daily life.

How Parents Can Help Manage Back To School Anxiety

While back-to-school anxiety is a common experience, there are several strategies parents can use to help their children manage these feelings effectively:

Approach Anxiety Instead of Avoiding It: It’s natural to want to protect your child from situations that cause anxiety, but avoidance can reinforce their fears. Instead, gently encourage your child to face their anxieties in small, manageable steps. For example, visit the school together before the first day to familiarize your child with the environment.
Practice School Routines: Establishing a consistent routine before school starts can help ease the transition. Practice the morning routine, including waking up at the school-time schedule, having breakfast, and preparing for the day.
Model Calm Behavior: Children often mirror the emotions of their parents. You can help your child feel more secure and less anxious by remaining calm and composed. Use deep breathing and mindfulness techniques to manage your stress, especially during challenging moments.
Ensure Adequate Sleep: A regular sleep schedule is essential for managing anxiety. Gradually adjust your child’s bedtime to align with the school schedule, and create a relaxing bedtime routine that excludes screen time.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child’s anxiety persists despite your efforts, it may be time to seek professional help. At Advanced Behavior Health Inc., we specialize in treating childhood anxiety and can provide a comprehensive approach to managing your child’s symptoms. Our services in Maryland include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based approach helps children identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to their anxiety.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: We teach children how to focus on the present moment and use relaxation strategies to reduce physical tension and anxiety.
Behavioral Therapy: Exposure therapy can gradually help children face their fears in a controlled and supportive environment.
Medication Management: In some cases, medication may be necessary to manage severe anxiety symptoms. Our team will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your child.

Advanced Behavior Health Inc. is Here to Help

At ABH, our mission is to serve the community’s mental health needs with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence. We understand the impact that back-to-school anxiety can have on both children and families, and we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care to help your child thrive.

If your child is struggling with back-to-school anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our experienced team in Maryland is here to offer support and effective treatment options to ensure your child has a successful and stress-free school year.

Contact Us: 📞 301-345-1022

When you think of the well-being of a child, you first think of basic needs: food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, however, it’s crucial for a child to have emotional and social wellness as well. In this article, we will explore the impact social wellness has on the overall health of a child and great ways for children to garner social support in their lives.

It comes as no surprise that as human beings, we all need connection with others, no matter what stage of life we are in. In fact, having social support is a social determinant of health (SDOH) that significantly impacts the health of an individual. After spending the last few years in and out of isolation due to the Covid-19 outbreak, social support is more important now than ever before. Having social support means having family members and friends you can talk to and seek advice from when life feels challenging and overwhelming. Knowing you’re not alone in your life journey, especially as a child, creates a sense of belonging and empowerment throughout one’s life.

4 Types of Social Support

Emotional Support. This type of support lets you know that people care about you and have empathy for your experiences. Emotional support often looks like people checking in on you to let you know they’re thinking of you, and that they are there if you need anything. As a parent, make sure your child knows you can be a sounding board for them. If you have family members who can also show up for your children in this way, even better!

Practical Help. This type of support is when people give you something tangible or offer a service to help you out. This could be in the form of money, making food when you are sick, or helping to pack when moving. Having family and friends show up in this way shows your child what it looks like to be present for people you love.

Sharing Points of View. This type of support can often come in the form of affirmations and encouragement. For example, pointing out your child’s strengths to them and reminding them they can do anything they put their mind to. It can also look like sharing another perspective if they are being hard on themselves. For example, if they are angry with themselves after receiving a bad grade on a test, you can help them see it as a learning experience and a way for them to grow.

Sharing Information. This type of support is when someone shares what they’ve learned from their own life experiences. For example, if another parent has a child who struggles with socializing, they can share some tips and tricks they’ve learned to help their child find and create social support.

The Importance of Social Groups and Extended Support

Children who are connected to their family, friends, and people in their community have opportunities to learn how to speak, share, and get along with others. When your child feels connected to people in your neighborhood, it often allows them to feel physically safe which can alleviate stress and worry. Simply riding bikes, going on walks, and saying hello to neighbors with your kids can create this sense of security for them.

In addition to engaging with your neighbors, getting involved in local organizations can also create social support for your child. Signing up for a sports team, musical theater, art class or summer camp are all great ways to help your child meet new friends and learn important social skills that can carry them through their lives.

Tips for Helping Kids Make Community Connections:

Spend time outside in your neighborhood playing on the playground, going to a local farmer’s market, or scheduling a playdate with neighborhood kids.

Show your kids that connection is a two-way street. If your neighbors or friends go out of town, offer to get their mail, or water their plants and take your child with you when you go. This will show your child how you show up for people you care about.

Make sure you make time for socializing with friends as well. Your child looks to you first and foremost for how they should act and live their own life.

Encourage your child to step out of their comfort zone and do something they may be scared to do. As a parent, it’s your job to push them into something social for their own well-being at times.