Tips for Handling Back to School Stress – ConnecTeen

For many of you going back to school is incredibly tough. After spending the summer relaxing, travelling, exploring the city, and enjoying nice weather and boundless time outside, it can be hard to get back into a school routine.

At ConnecTeen, we notice this change. July & August tend to be quieter months at ConnecTeen, but near the end of August and beginning of September we start to see more chats, calls and texts come in. Many of the contacts are related to back-to-school stress. Here are a few examples of some of the concerns we see:

• I’m new to this school. Will I fit in and be able to make friends?
• Will I be bullied again this year? What can I do to make it stop?
• I’m going to be really busy this year. Where am I going to find the time to hang out with my friends?
• I’ve been dealing with some mental health issues and I’m worried my teachers won’t understand.
• I hate how I look and dress. Will people judge me for not having name brand clothes?
• Where will I find the time to do my homework when I have to find a part-time job?

What can you do when you’re stressed out? Everyone’s unique, even when it comes to coping with stress.  We encourage you to talk to someone – a family member, friend, neighbor, and of course, there’s ConnecTeen. Being able to talk about the things bothering you – being heard, validated and not judged can be a powerful tool when dealing with stress.

Here are a few more tips for you (and anyone) to help de-stress:

• Make time today to do something you enjoy
• Take care of YOU – eat, drink, sleep, etc.
• Start scheduling your routine – it can help you feel less overwhelmed if you feel organized and ready to take on your school workload. Buy or create an agenda. Try to make it fun and personal. Include something fun or relaxing every day, even if it’s just for ten or twenty minutes.
• Listen to a great new playlist
• Exercise in a way that you enjoy (run, swim, dance, or maybe try yoga)

School doesn’t have to be stressful – except maybe around exam time! Look for other opportunities at school that could add some fun and maybe take away some of the stressful. Things like:

• Joining clubs, sports team, after-school activities, or trying out for choir. The high school years are a great time to explore different interests and see which appeal to you
• Asking classmates to study with you as a way to meet new people and create new relationships
• Taking cool classes such as art class, film studies, cosmetics, culinary arts, auto mechanics, computer science, or sports performance, to name a few options
• Becoming familiar with the counselling and mental health services your school offers. Just knowing they’re available can be comforting.
• If you or someone you know is having a tough time let them know ConnecTeen is there for them. Our services include offering confidential peer support to youth in Calgary and area through chat, text, calls and emails. Learn more about our services on our website.

If you ever have a question, a problem or just need someone to talk to, give us a call, drop us an email, send us a text or chat with us online.

You are not alone. There is help.

If you cannot find someone you trust who is willing to support you, dial a crisis line right away at 403-266-HELP (4357) All crisis lines are confidential.