The end of summer always brings a mix of emotions. For some, it’s exciting—the fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a chance to reconnect with friends. For others, September feels heavy. The shift from relaxed summer days to the structure of school can stir up anxiety, stress, and even feelings of sadness.
Back-to-school isn’t just about academics—it’s a big mental adjustment. Here are some of the struggles many students (and even parents) face when the school year kicks off:
1. Anxiety About Change
New classes, new teachers, and sometimes new schools can feel overwhelming. Even positive changes can trigger worry—Will I fit in? Can I keep up? What if I fail? These thoughts are normal, but when they pile up, they can make the start of the year really tough.
2. The Pressure to Perform
Grades, sports, extracurriculars—it’s a lot. Many kids feel the weight of expectation from teachers, peers, and sometimes even themselves. That pressure can easily lead to burnout if not balanced with rest and support.
3. Social Stress
Friendships shift in September. Cliques change, friendships from last year may not be the same, and the pressure to “belong” can be intense. For some, walking into a crowded cafeteria or classroom is one of the hardest parts of the day.
4. Loss of Freedom
Summer brings flexibility and downtime, but back-to-school means early mornings, full schedules, and less personal choice. That sudden loss of freedom can take a toll, especially for teenagers craving independence.
5. Sleep Struggles
Sleep is one of the first things to get disrupted during the school year. Between homework, activities, and screen time, many students are running on empty. Sleep deprivation makes it harder to cope with stress and can intensify feelings of anxiety or depression.
Mental health struggles often show up quietly. It could be irritability, withdrawal, a change in sleep or drinking habits. If you notice something seems off with a friend or co-worker, don’t brush it off. Ask. Listen. And if needed, suggest they check out a resource like Mental Health and Addictions Nova Scotia. It’s free, anonymous, and available 24/7.
Mental health isn’t just a personal issue. It’s a community one. And around here, we’ve always looked out for each other.
At 107.9 Go Rock, we’re encouraging everyone to keep those chats going, and to make space for what really matters.
Comments
Add a comment