Back to School with Anxiety: Finding Your Footing in the Chaos
by Riona McGrath
Every September, after a peaceful summer, the world seems to suddenly hit fast forward. Classes start, calendars fill, and everyone is left to fend for themselves. For some, this can be the most exciting time of year, a fresh start. For others, it can be an absolute nightmare. Transitions are NOT always easy and can take a lot of time to adapt and get used to, but Real Life Counselling is here to help make that transition easier.
The big question is, why does school trigger anxiety? The truth is, school represents pressure. It’s a place where your skills are constantly measured with tests, grades, attendance, and participation. There’s also the social aspect of fitting in and managing friendships. If you’re already prone to overthinking or perfectionism, it’s like being dropped into a pressure cooker.
Real Life Counselling recommends that it can help set you up with someone to help you through this; if you are not quite ready for that, here are some tips and tricks our therapists recommend.
- Small wins matter! It is important to break your days down into smaller, manageable goals.
- Routine is your friend! Anxiety loves chaos, so try setting up a daily routine that gives your brain a sense of predictability.
- Reach Out Early! Whether it’s one of our therapists or a trusted teacher, let someone know how you’re feeling.
- Try to stay off social media! Social media comparison can make anxiety worse. Take intentional breaks. Focus on your real life, not the filtered lives online.
Our amazing team of therapists at Real Life Counselling will be with you every step of the way to try and make this transition as easy as possible. Real Life counselling is able to be there for you; we provide individual counselling as well as counselling that is anxiety-specific. Our team at Real Life Counselling will make it our priority to remind you to be kind to yourself and remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Anxiety is not a weakness but a strength, and our team can help you begin to make that switch.
Visit Real Life Counselling to learn more and book a consultation today. Your mental health matters, Canada!