Janick Hickman, Assistant Director of Educational Programs; Mental Health Counselor, CHC-FL
Back-to-School Jitters
Although the start of a new school year can be exciting, students of all ages may experience heightened feelings of anxiousness this time of year. Among the many potential sources of stress are:
their first time in a classroom setting after online schooling;
last year’s bully is again a classmate;
the worry of safety;
heading into an environment of expectations (e.g., making good grades, having to give an oral book report, having to answer questions aloud in class, socializing, fitting in).
A Cycle of Anxiety
Thoughts can lead to feelings, which can lead to physiological responses, and ultimately, to behaviors. Oftentimes, thoughts such as "What if I get bullied this year again?," “Will anyone sit with me at lunch?,” “Do I have to fit in?,” “Will there be a school shooting?,” “What if I feel sick at school?,” “What if I have a panic attack in front of everyone?,” “What if the homework is too hard?,” can lead to feelings of fear, anxiousness, worry, distress, concern, agitation, distraction and feeling uptight.
These feelings can produce physiological/physical responses such as stomach aches, headaches, vomiting, sweating, increased heart rate, and irritability to name a few. As a result, experienced behaviors may include difficulty getting to or staying asleep, crying, defiance or other challenging behaviors, avoidance of school or related activities, and difficulty staying focused.
Added Challenge of Hearing Loss
For Deaf/Hard of Hearing children and teens, feelings of anxiety incorporate another level of challenges and stressors, including equitable expressive and receptive communication access, whether it be in the classroom or with their school peers. In a classroom environment, for example, even if a teacher accepts and remembers to put on their FM system, if they are not repeating student questions prior to answering, the DHH youth can miss out on important information. Class group work, lunch bunch and recess become situations in which the student needs to actively work to participate, rather than be able to just enjoy.
How You Can Help
To parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors or coaches, my ask is to take notice. Take notice of the students in your care and be available to listen and learn about their concerns and fears. Below is a list of ways in which you can begin to provide support.
Ask them how they are feeling (do not dismiss their worries—validate that their feelings are real and important to them).
Help children and teens to identify their stressors and work together to support them in feeling prepared to manage situations.
Show encouragement.
If their anxieties are leading to disruption of daily functioning (e.g., insomnia, too little or too much eating, school absences, lack of interest, etc.), seek professional support from your child's Pediatrician, School Counselor, and/or Mental Health Counselor.
For younger youth, anxieties may stem from separation anxiety. In this case, if possible, prepare them for the transition before the first day of school.
Ask them to tell you about or draw you a picture of their worries.
Create and practice morning routines.
Talk to their teacher to gather tips to help the transition from summer back to school go smoothly.
You Are Not Alone
I hope these tips are helpful in giving your young scholar the support they need to enjoy school and thrive academically. Should you have questions or need additional advice, please don't hesitate to contact me using the button below. All of us at CHC are here to help in any way we can.
Wishing students everywhere a happy and successful school year!
About the Author
Janick (pronounced Janique) Ferrier Hickman re-joined the CHC-FL family in 2019 after previously working with the agency from 2010-2015. Janick has her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has served the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened individuals and their family for over a decade; primarily working with children, adolescents, and adults in South Florida. Janick is proficient using American Sign Language. She respects diversity in others and strives to be genuine, empathetic, and mindful of potential personal biases. Janick diligently works to meet client/families where they are and create a partnership to determine how best to meet their needs in the mental health, educational, and community outreach arenas. She currently runs the Education Department, manages CHC-FL’s social media sites and volunteer program, and is a member of the fundraising team.
Related Back-to-School Posts
Medicance is a pivotal term in the realm of modern healthcare, often discussed in relation to the availability of specific medications. For those seeking treatments like Ozempic, a common question arises: can you buy Ozempic in Canada? The answer varies based on regulations and availability. Ensuring access to such medications is crucial for those managing conditions like diabetes, highlighting the importance of understanding local pharmaceutical guidelines.
Greater Kailash escorts agency retains a reputation of professionalism and listings of the highest order. This Greater Kailash Escort agency allows only those escorts who are really beautiful and sophisticated to be listed with them, using their strict selection process. Their staff will work for seamless service and ensure maximum satisfaction on the part of their clients.
Ищу междугороднее такси для поездки из Одессы в Винницу. Нужно, чтобы можно было заказать машину заранее, чтобы водитель был адекватный и хорошо знал маршрут, и, самое главное, чтобы цена была фиксированной, без всяких доплат и неожиданностей по дороге. У кого есть опыт таких поездок? Как найти проверенную компанию, чтобы и безопасно, и не переплатить? Возможно, есть какие-то нюансы, на которые стоит обратить внимание при выборе такси? Важно, чтобы была возможность взять с собой багаж, поэтому нужен более просторный автомобиль. Рассматриваю и варианты минивэнов, если это возможно. Подскажите, у кого есть личный опыт и рекомендации?