Summer is ending which means that it is almost time to go back to school. For teens, this transition can be a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience. They may worry about classes, tests, and relationships with peers. Or any number of other things that come up during the school year. Plus, if they are seniors, they may be feeling the added pressure of college applications and decisions.
Back-to-school anxiety is a real challenge for teens who might struggle with test anxiety, fear of failure, or low self-esteem. These issues can have a serious effect on their academic performance and overall well-being. Which makes the transition from summer to school even more difficult. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of supporting teens when they are transitioning back to school. And introduce anxiety counseling as a valuable resource for teens in Alpharetta, Roswell, and Milton GA.
Why Teens Might Experience Anxiety During the Back-to-School Transition
Teens are granted more freedom when summer rolls around, which can make the transition back to school more difficult. They are treated as children who need guidance. But also as young adults who should be able to take responsibility for their decisions. As a result, the structure and pressures of school life can cause teens to experience anxiety. For a variety of different reasons.
Academic Pressure
As children age and the year in school increases the more tests, assignments, and projects they must complete. Teens in their junior or senior year may also be preparing for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT. This increased academic pressure can lead to anxiety about tests, grades, and expectations of success from parents and teachers.
This does not include the extra pressure teens can feel if they are on sports teams that require practice. Or if they are involved in other activities like clubs, theater, or volunteer work. Teens are told to study two or more hours a day in order to keep up with their classes. As well as participate in all the activities they are involved in. Therefore, this can result in teens being overwhelmed and anxious.
Social Challenges
The transition from summer to school also involves adjusting to social norms. Teens must navigate friendships that may have changed throughout the summer, or maybe make new ones altogether. New grades bring new classes and new social dynamics that must be managed. As teens transition back to school, they might feel anxious about making new friends and being accepted by their peers.
Summer allows for more freedom to nurture friendships with less structure. But when school rolls around, teens need to make new connections in a more structured environment. And they can feel anxious about that. They also might suffer from social anxiety. Which can be made worse by having to speak in class, being surrounded by peers, or having to dress a certain way.
Performance Expectations
Teens have been told throughout their childhood that grades are important and they must do well in school. This can lead to the development of perfectionist tendencies, as well as expectations from parents and teachers. Teens may feel anxious about meeting these expectations, which can be difficult when transitioning back to school.
They can become anxious knowing that they will encounter subjects they struggle with. Or perhaps teachers that are not understanding of their learning differences or struggles. On top of that, if teens have been successful in school thus far, they may be anxious about not being able to maintain their high grades and academic performance as the year continues.
As your teen transitions back to school, it’s important to remember that a certain amount of anxiety is normal. Anxiety is a normal emotion and a part of life. However, if your teen is struggling with intense feelings of anxiety or fear associated with the back-to-school transition, then talk with them. Talking with them about their feelings and seeking professional help may be beneficial. Or if you’re a teacher, talking with your student about how you can support them during this time is important.
How Anxiety Counseling For Teens Can Benefit Them
Teens already are going through the transition of becoming adults. With the added stress of going back to school, they may be coping with feelings of anxiety and fear that can manifest in different ways. There is only so much you as a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend can do to help them manage these feelings. This is where anxiety counseling in Alpharetta, Roswell, or Milton GA for teens can be beneficial.
Anxiety counselors provide support, guidance, and a safe and supportive space for your teen to express their worries and fears. They will support your teen by helping them develop strategies to cope with their anxiety and gradually build their resilience and self-confidence. For example, when they are beginning to feel anxious, they can focus on their breathing to calm down and tell themselves positive affirmations.
Working with an Anxiety Therapist in Roswell, Alpharetta, or Milton, GA Can Help Your Teen
When your teen begins working with an anxiety therapist, they will have support in identifying and expressing their feelings. Emotions can be more complex for teens as there are new feelings and experiences they are going through. They also may have more difficulty expressing themselves to their parents or friends.
Whereas an anxiety therapist is a non-judgmental professional who can help them to better understand the emotions they are experiencing and why. This understanding is important for providing coping strategies and ways of managing anxiety. Your teen’s therapist can also help them understand their patterns of anxiety such as when it is triggered or what situations seem to exacerbate it.
They Can Suggest Other Forms of Therapies
Your teen’s anxiety therapist might recommend additional forms of therapy such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for anxiety. EMDR can be used to help your teen identify and process traumatic events, past experiences, and current situations that might be causing their anxiety. This therapy can also help them to develop healthier coping strategies for managing their feelings of fear.
Build Resilience and Self-Confidence with Anxiety Counseling in Alpharetta, Roswell, or Milton GA Today!
Transitioning back to school can cause anxiety in teens leaving them dreading the school year. Anxiety counseling in Alpharetta, Roswell, and Milton GA can help your teen to understand their emotions and build resilience and self-confidence. Through therapy, teens can learn how to manage their anxiety better and develop healthier coping strategies. Our team of therapists at Wellview Counseling understands the unique pressures and anxiety that teens are currently facing. That’s why they are here to support your teen through this difficult time and help them thrive. If you’re ready to get started:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Begin Helping Your Teen Transition Back To School Successfully!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Our therapists at Wellview Counseling understand that you or your teen may be struggling with more than anxiety and may require other forms of therapy. This is why we offer a variety of therapy services to help you manage any of the challenges that you may be facing. We offer child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, therapy for those with a chronic illness, and more. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!
About the Author
Introducing Ashley Bobo, MSW, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with over two decades of expertise in trauma-related stress, anxiety, and depression, especially concerning adolescents’ challenges. Ashley offers personalized support to help parents and their teens navigate the anxieties linked with the return to school. Her approach, tailored to each individual’s needs, fosters healing and resilience. While not directly providing EMDR, Ashley can guide parents seeking its benefits for their teenager’s anxiety. For more about Ashley and her practice at Wellview Counseling, visit our website to initiate the journey toward smoother transitions and enhanced mental well-being.