Back-to-School Mental Health: Helping Children and Teens Start the School Year Strong
Back-to-school season can be exciting for children, teens, and families, but it can also bring stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. New teachers, different classrooms, academic expectations, social pressures, extracurricular activities, and changes in sleep schedules can all affect a student's mental health.
Some children adjust quickly to the school routine, while others may need more time and support. Even students who performed well during the previous school year can experience anxiety or emotional changes when a new school year begins.
At Elmhurst Psychiatry, we believe that supporting mental health is an important part of helping children and teens succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Academic performance is important, but emotional well-being, confidence, healthy relationships, sleep, and the ability to manage stress are also important parts of a successful school experience.
Parents who would like additional information can review resources from the National Institute of Mental Health about child and adolescent mental health.
Why Back-to-School Season Can Be Stressful
Returning to school often requires children and teens to adjust to several changes at the same time.
During summer break, many families have more flexible schedules. Children may stay up later, sleep longer, spend more time at home, and have fewer academic responsibilities. When school begins, that flexibility can suddenly be replaced with early mornings, homework, transportation schedules, classroom expectations, sports, clubs, and other responsibilities.
Students may also be entering a new grade, changing schools, starting middle school or high school, meeting new classmates, or adjusting to different teachers.
Common back-to-school concerns may include:
Worry about new teachers or classmates
Academic pressure and homework
Fear of falling behind
Difficulty adjusting to an earlier sleep schedule
Social anxiety
Fear of being excluded
Bullying or peer pressure
Concerns about appearance or fitting in
Difficulty concentrating in class
Test anxiety
Trouble staying organized
Changes in appetite
Increased irritability
Emotional outbursts
Worry about sports or extracurricular activities
Difficulty balancing school and family responsibilities
For some children and teens, these challenges may become more difficult when they are also experiencing conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or mood disorders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides information about student mental health and school connectedness, including the importance of helping students feel supported and connected within their school environment.
Back-to-School Anxiety Can Look Different in Every Child
Not every child who is anxious will say, "I'm anxious."
Children, especially younger children, may have difficulty identifying or explaining what they are feeling. Anxiety can sometimes appear through physical complaints, irritability, avoidance, or changes in behavior.
For example, a child who repeatedly complains of a stomachache before school may genuinely feel physical discomfort related to stress or anxiety.
A teenager who suddenly becomes irritable or withdrawn may be having difficulty with social pressure, academic expectations, friendships, or another issue they have not yet discussed with a parent.
Parents may want to pay attention to patterns, particularly when symptoms become more frequent on school nights, weekday mornings, or before certain classes or activities.
Signs Your Child May Need Additional Support
Every child experiences occasional stress, frustration, sadness, or worry. These emotions are normal parts of growing up.
However, parents and caregivers may want to pay closer attention when emotional or behavioral changes become persistent, intense, or interfere with everyday life.
Signs that a child or teen may be struggling can include:
Frequent complaints about school
Refusing or strongly resisting going to school
Difficulty falling asleep
Difficulty waking up for school
Frequent nightmares
Increased sadness
Excessive worrying
Increased irritability
Frequent emotional outbursts
Avoiding friends
Losing interest in activities
Declining grades
Difficulty completing homework
Problems staying focused
Increased forgetfulness
Frequent headaches or stomachaches
Changes in appetite
Spending significantly more time alone
Increased conflict with family members
Loss of confidence
Excessive concern about grades or mistakes
Frequently asking to leave school early
Repeated visits to the school nurse without a clear medical cause
One isolated difficult day usually does not mean that a child has a mental health condition. Parents may want to look at the overall pattern, how long symptoms have been occurring, and how much they are affecting the child's daily functioning.
Parents can learn more about anxiety and depression in children through the CDC.
How Parents Can Support Back-to-School Mental Health
Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping children adjust to the new school year.
Small changes at home can sometimes make the transition easier.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Children often benefit from predictable routines.
Try to maintain consistent times for:
Waking up
Getting ready for school
Eating meals
Completing homework
Relaxing
Using electronics
Going to bed
A predictable routine can help reduce uncertainty and make mornings and evenings feel less stressful.
For younger children, a simple written or visual schedule may also be helpful.
Start Preparing Before the School Week
Whenever possible, avoid leaving everything until the morning.
Preparing backpacks, clothing, lunches, school supplies, and other items the night before can reduce rushed mornings.
Families may also consider having a regular place for backpacks, homework folders, school devices, and other important items.
Creating structure can be especially helpful for students who struggle with organization or attention.
Encourage Open Communication
Children are more likely to talk about problems when they feel they can speak without immediately being criticized, corrected, or pressured.
Instead of only asking:
"How was school?"
Parents may try more specific questions such as:
What was the best part of your day?
What was the hardest part of your day?
Did anything make you nervous today?
Who did you spend time with?
Was anything confusing?
Did anything happen that you want help with?
Was there anything today that made you feel uncomfortable?
What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Is there anything about school that has been worrying you?
Some children may not want to talk immediately after school. Giving them a little time to decompress before starting a conversation may be helpful.
Validate Feelings Without Increasing Fear
If a child says they are nervous about school, parents may be tempted to immediately say:
"There's nothing to worry about."
Although well intended, that response may make a child feel that their feelings are being dismissed.
A more supportive response may be:
"I understand that you're nervous about tomorrow. What part are you most worried about?"
This allows the child to explain the specific concern and gives the parent an opportunity to help work through it.
The goal is not to eliminate every uncomfortable feeling. Instead, children can gradually learn that anxiety, disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty are emotions they can experience and manage.
Prioritize Healthy Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in mood, concentration, learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
A sudden shift from a relaxed summer sleep schedule to an early school schedule can be difficult.
Parents can help by encouraging:
Consistent bedtime and wake-up times
A relaxing bedtime routine
Reduced screen use before bed
A quiet and comfortable sleeping environment
Avoiding excessive caffeine, especially later in the day
Children and teens who are chronically tired may have more difficulty concentrating, regulating emotions, and managing stress.
Create a Healthy Homework Routine
Homework can become a major source of conflict in some households.
Having a consistent routine may make it easier.
Consider creating a homework area that is:
Quiet
Organized
Well lit
Free from unnecessary distractions
Stocked with frequently used school supplies
Some students work best immediately after school, while others benefit from having a short break first.
The most effective routine may depend on the individual student.
Avoid Overloading the Schedule
Sports, tutoring, clubs, lessons, and other activities can provide valuable opportunities for learning, social connection, and confidence.
However, children also need unstructured time to rest.
An overly packed schedule may contribute to:
Fatigue
Irritability
Sleep problems
Increased stress
Reduced family time
Difficulty completing homework
Parents may want to periodically review the child's schedule and determine whether the number of activities is still manageable.
Celebrate Effort, Not Only Grades
Children can sometimes develop the belief that their value depends on academic performance.
Parents can help by recognizing:
Effort
Persistence
Improvement
Problem-solving
Creativity
Kindness
Responsibility
Asking for help when needed
A disappointing grade can be an opportunity to discuss what happened, what the child learned, and what could be done differently next time.
The goal should be progress rather than perfection.
ADHD and the Return to School
The transition back to school may be particularly challenging for children and teens with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
School often requires students to:
Sit for extended periods
Follow multiple instructions
Remember assignments
Keep track of materials
Meet deadlines
Transition between subjects
Avoid distractions
Manage homework independently
These demands may make attention, impulsivity, organization, or executive functioning difficulties more noticeable.
Parents may observe challenges with:
Staying organized
Remembering assignments
Losing school materials
Forgetting homework
Completing multi-step tasks
Following directions
Remaining focused in class
Managing frustration
Sitting still for extended periods
Starting assignments
Finishing assignments
Transitioning between activities
A child who struggles with these areas is not necessarily being lazy or unmotivated.
When these difficulties are persistent and significantly interfere with academic, social, or emotional functioning, parents may consider discussing the concerns with the child's pediatrician, school team, or mental health provider.
School Anxiety Is Common
Some students experience significant anxiety before or during the school year.
School-related anxiety may involve concerns about:
Grades
Tests
Homework
Friendships
Social situations
Teachers
Public speaking
Sports
Extracurricular activities
Being separated from parents
Bullying
Making mistakes
Academic performance
The National Institute of Mental Health provides additional information about anxiety disorders and anxiety in children and teens.
Parents may notice symptoms such as:
Stomachaches before school
Headaches on school mornings
Difficulty sleeping on school nights
Frequent requests to stay home
Excessive reassurance seeking
Crying before school
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional distress when discussing school
If anxiety becomes persistent or begins interfering with everyday functioning, professional mental health support may be beneficial.
Understanding School Avoidance
Occasionally not wanting to attend school is common.
However, repeated school avoidance can become a more significant concern.
A child may avoid school because of:
Anxiety
Bullying
Academic difficulty
Social problems
Separation anxiety
Depression
Learning difficulties
Problems with a teacher
Fear of failure
Embarrassment about school performance
Parents may want to avoid assuming that school refusal is simply defiance.
Understanding what is driving the avoidance can help determine the most appropriate next step.
Social Media and Back-to-School Stress
Social media can add another layer of pressure for children and teens.
Students may compare themselves with classmates or feel pressure related to:
Appearance
Clothing
Popularity
Friend groups
Sports
Academic achievements
Social activities
Online conflicts may also continue after the school day ends.
Parents can help by maintaining open conversations about social media use, online behavior, privacy, cyberbullying, and how online interactions affect mood.
Rather than focusing only on screen-time limits, it can also be useful to discuss how children feel after using certain apps or interacting with certain people online.
Bullying and Peer Pressure
Changes in behavior may sometimes be connected to bullying or difficult peer relationships.
Children who are being bullied may not always tell their parents directly.
Possible signs may include:
Suddenly avoiding school
Losing belongings
Unexplained injuries
Changes in friendships
Declining grades
Increased anxiety
Becoming withdrawn
Difficulty sleeping
Asking for extra money
Avoiding certain school activities
Parents who are concerned about bullying may want to communicate with school staff and document specific incidents when appropriate.
Work With Your Child's School
Mental health support does not have to happen only at home.
Depending on the situation, parents may benefit from communicating with:
Teachers
School counselors
Social workers
School psychologists
Nurses
Special education teams
Coaches
Administrators
Sharing relevant concerns can help the adults supporting the student understand what the child is experiencing.
For students with ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulties, or other concerns, additional classroom supports may sometimes be appropriate.
When to Consider Professional Mental Health Support
Parents do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before asking for help.
It may be appropriate to consider additional support when emotional or behavioral symptoms:
Continue for several weeks
Become increasingly intense
Interfere with school attendance
Affect academic performance
Interfere with friendships
Affect family relationships
Cause significant emotional distress
Make everyday routines difficult
Prevent the child from participating in normal activities
The CDC provides additional information about mental health treatment and support for children.
A qualified healthcare or mental health professional can evaluate a child's symptoms and discuss treatment options based on the child's individual needs.
What a Mental Health Evaluation May Include
A mental health evaluation may involve discussing:
Current symptoms
When symptoms began
School performance
Family concerns
Sleep
Appetite
Mood
Attention and concentration
Social relationships
Medical history
Previous treatment
Current medications
Family mental health history when relevant
The goal is to understand the whole picture rather than focusing on a single symptom.
Depending on the individual's needs, treatment recommendations may include therapy, behavioral strategies, school-based support, medication management, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.
Mental Health Treatment Is Individualized
There is no single treatment plan that is appropriate for every child or teenager.
Treatment depends on many factors, including:
Age
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Severity
Family history
School functioning
Medical history
Previous treatment
Individual response to treatment
When medication is considered, parents should discuss potential benefits, risks, side effects, alternatives, and monitoring with a qualified healthcare professional.
Supporting Your Child Without Creating Additional Pressure
Parents naturally want their children to succeed.
However, children can sometimes interpret repeated questions about grades, homework, or performance as pressure.
Consider balancing conversations about school performance with questions about:
Friendships
Interests
Feelings
Activities
Goals
Challenges
Things they are proud of
Children benefit from knowing that their mental health and well-being matter independently of their grades.
Mental Health Support for Teenagers
Teenagers may face different back-to-school pressures than younger children.
Common concerns can include:
College preparation
Advanced coursework
Sports performance
Relationships
Friend groups
Social media
Body image
Driving
Employment
Extracurricular responsibilities
Planning for the future
Teenagers may also become more private about their emotions.
Parents can continue providing support while respecting appropriate independence.
Maintaining regular communication and remaining available can make it easier for teenagers to seek help when they need it.
Supporting a Healthy School Year
Mental health is an important part of a successful school experience.
Families can support students by focusing on:
Consistent routines
Adequate sleep
Healthy communication
Realistic expectations
Opportunities for rest
Positive relationships
Academic support when needed
Early attention to emotional or behavioral concerns
Parents do not have to wait until a child is in crisis to ask questions about mental health.
Early conversations and appropriate support can help families better understand what a child may be experiencing and determine whether additional help is needed.
Back-to-School Mental Health Care at Elmhurst Psychiatry
Elmhurst Psychiatry provides psychiatric care for children, teens, and adults experiencing concerns such as:
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Mood disorders
Behavioral concerns
Attention and concentration difficulties
Emotional regulation concerns
Medication management needs
Other mental health challenges
Our goal is to provide compassionate, individualized psychiatric care while helping patients and families better understand their mental health needs and treatment options.
If your child or teen is having difficulty adjusting to the school year, experiencing anxiety, struggling with attention, or showing significant changes in mood or behavior, consider speaking with a qualified mental health professional.
Learn More About Elmhurst Psychiatry
For additional information about psychiatric care, mental health evaluations, and medication management services, visit:
Supporting mental health at the beginning of the school year can help children and teens build healthier routines, manage stress, develop confidence, and approach the months ahead with greater support.
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