Quick Tips for Back-To-School Blues & Anxiety

We’re halfway through August, and–dare I say it–the dreaded *September* is almost upon us.

For most adolescents, the thought of going back to school can muster some discomfort. It’s always sad when summer ends (though, maybe not for parents). And, as the reality of classes, tests, and homework sets in, so too does the anxiety.

Returning to school might also mean facing a bully, ex-girlfriend or boyfriend, or a difficult teacher again.

Unfortunately, the safe haven of summer doesn’t last forever. The start of school is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be so bad. With these quick tips, you can tackle the school year head-on, hopefully, with a little less apprehension.

Forget the Past and Reframe Your Fears

No two school years are the same. If you failed eighth grade math or sat alone in the cafeteria last year, that doesn’t mean that this year is doomed. Look at the upcoming year as a fresh opportunity to be the best you.

Last year’s disappointments should only enter the present moment in terms of lessons learned. If you struggled with note-taking, try a new approach (like these).

This goes for parents too. Avoid reminders of what your child did wrong last year. Instead, encourage them to build responsible habits, in general.

Set Specific Goals

Think about your ideal school year. (Skipping school every day is not an option.) What are you hoping to achieve? Do you want to make new friends, mend broken friendships, or improve your time management skills?

Set achievable goals for each month, marking period, or for the year. Come back to these goals and reflect. If you did achieve your goal, reward yourself. Then, think about the next step.

If you didn’t achieve your goal, that’s okay too. Think about what you could have done differently. Break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps, or identify a parent, teacher, or counselor that you can ask for advice.

Identify Your Support System

For many, contacting a counselor or therapist is reactionary. Instead, be proactive. At the start of the school year, identify a trusted teacher or counselor that you can go to if you need help. Set up a meeting to discuss your fears and your goals for the year, and work with them to create a plan.

Talk to your parents about meeting regularly with a therapist outside of school. A therapist can provide more individualized support and help you to build coping skills without disrupting your school day. If you’re worried about talking to your parents about therapy, ask your school counselor for advice.

School Support at Blueprint Mental Health

Blueprint Mental Health offers individualized mental health counseling for adolescents and young adults. If your child is experiencing school anxiety, school refusal, or other mental health issues we’re here to help.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (908) 256-6965 or e-mail info@blueprintmentalhealth.com.

CONTACT & MORE INFORMATION

Trusted Mental Health Counseling Across Central New Jersey

Blueprint Mental Health has earned a reputation as one of the most sought-after mental health practices in New Jersey. We provide the highest quality clinical care in a way that feels welcoming, personal, and anything but clinical. Our therapists offer individual and group counseling for children, teens, young adults, adulting adults, parents, couples, and families.

We offer both in-person sessions at our Somerville location and virtual therapy appointments statewide. For those seeking in-person care, we’re located within a 30-minute drive of many towns across Central and Northern New Jersey, including Chatham, Madison, Morristown, Princeton, Edison, Highland Park, North Brunswick, New Brunswick, Piscataway, South Plainfield, Clark, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Summit, Springfield, and more.

Comprehensive Therapy Services in Somerset County

We're proud to support clients from Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Manville, Raritan, Somerset, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Peapack, and Martinsville. Our Somerset County location serves as a central hub for families and individuals seeking high-quality mental health support.

Individual and Family Counseling in Union County

Our in-person services are convenient for residents of Scotch Plains, Westfield, Summit, Springfield, Cranford, Clark, Garwood, Fanwood, New Providence, Mountainside, Rahway, Roselle Park, and Plainfield. We work with children, teens, and adults throughout Union County to address anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and more.

Therapy and Coaching Services in Middlesex County

We frequently work with individuals and families from Edison, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Highland Park, Metuchen, Milltown, Piscataway, Dunellen, South Plainfield, Kendall Park, and Middlesex. Our clinicians provide accessible care for both short-term challenges and long-term growth.

Supportive Mental Health Care in Hunterdon County

Many of our clients travel from Clinton, Flemington, Readington Township, Lebanon, High Bridge, and Whitehouse Station for in-person support. We also offer virtual sessions for added flexibility throughout Hunterdon County and beyond.

Compassionate Therapy for Children, Teens, Adults, and Families

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, parenting challenges, or family conflict, Blueprint Mental Health offers compassionate and effective care tailored to your needs. Our young but experienced team of clinicians takes a proactive, relational approach that resonates with today’s children, teens, and adults.

We provide services including Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Family Therapy, Parent Coaching, Couples Therapy, Trauma Treatment, OCD Therapy, Drop-In Consults, and more.

If you want to understand what sets us apart, explore Our Approach.

Phone: 908-256-6965
Email: clientrelations@blueprintmentalhealth.com

Blueprint Mental Health
73 West End Ave,
Somerville, NJ 08876 [Map]

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