Rocky Start to School Year

Ah, the start of a new school year – a time of fresh beginnings, new challenges, and sometimes flare ups of existing mental health issues. As students dust off their backpacks and sharpen their pencils, it’s not uncommon to encounter obstacles that threaten to derail their academic journey. Let’s explore the common hurdles students face at the start of the school year and how to recognize the warning signs of struggle and stress.

Evaluating Common Obstacles Faced by Students

From the dreaded math class to the intimidating social scene, students face a myriad of challenges as they kick off the school year. Whether it’s difficulty with time management, test anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed by coursework, these obstacles can quickly snowball if left unchecked. Students may develop negative coping skills to deal with these extra anxieties or depressive symptoms, or even avoid things altogether by refusing to attend school at all. By identifying and addressing these challenges early on, students can set themselves up for a successful academic year.

Recognizing Signs of Struggle and Stress

As the school year ramps up, it’s important to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of student distress. From changes in behavior to declining academic performance, these red flags can signal that a student is struggling to cope with the demands of school. By recognizing these signs early on, educators and parents can intervene and provide the support needed to help students thrive.

Preparing your family for the start of the school year

So how can you prepare for the start of school? Beyond a trip to purchase school supplies and packing lunches, parents can take some tangible steps to help their students set themselves up for success in the coming year. 

1. Talk openly about their feelings. Allowing space for a child or teen to feel emotionally safe to share their anxieties and concerns will set everyone up for open communication. Mental health issues are often incredibly isolating for those experiencing them. One of the best things you can do is make your child feel safe expressing their concerns, and sharing some of your own experiences might be helpful too! 
2. Help your child set a few, manageable and realistic goals. Rather than feeling like there is an ENTIRE school year ahead of full of expectations that are hard to meet, it can help an anxious young person to focus instead on concrete and measurable goals, such as attending class, asking for help from teachers when they need it, or even participating in a fun after school activity a few times a week!
3. Encourage positive relationships with teachers and school staff. Helping to foster a positive and supportive relationship between a student and their teachers and school staff, such as administrators and counselors, is  a wonderful way to help set up a successful school environment. Offer to go with your child or teen to meet with these folks before the school year begins, if possible, or encourage them to reach out early in the semester for support. 
4. Do your best to create a calm environment at home. For those who struggle with anxiety, it is helpful to have a calm and predictable atmosphere at home. Do your best to encourage your household to practice healthy behaviors. Fun, family activities in nature are a great way to encourage mindfulness. 
5. Consider engaging a professional or attending a therapeutic school or program. If your child is really struggling with the thought of going back to school, and you think it would be best to have professional help, don’t hesitate to find the resources your family needs. Outpatient therapy, an educational consultant or even enrolling in a therapeutic program can set your student up for a bright future.

How Summit Achievement can help

Summit Achievement isn’t just a therapeutic program or boarding school; it’s a transformational experience that can turn a rocky start into a successful adventure. Grounded in clinical expertise and personalized academic plans, Summit Achievement equips students with skills to handle the stress of the school year. With the right support, guidance, and a sprinkle of courage, students can emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to conquer whatever challenges come their way. 

Summit Achievement offers a unique and effective approach to supporting students who have faced challenges at the start of the school year. If you identify red flags or concerning behaviors at home after the start of the school year, enrolling at Summit Achievement could be just the thing to help your teen with anxiety, depression, or who is simply failing to thrive. Summit Achievement has shown remarkable success in helping students overcome obstacles, achieve personal growth, and improve academic performance. 

If you think a program like Summit Achievement is right for your teenager or emerging adult, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Admissions Director is always happy to talk with families.