Back to School-And all that comes with it
It's that time of the year-back to school. Returning to school can be both exciting and nerve racking. Getting back into a routine and seeing old friends can be refreshing. However, returning back to school also creates added pressure, stress, and anxiety. There's the pressure to succeed in academics and extra-curricular activities, the pressure to "fit in," and if you are already struggling with depression and anxiety, the pressures of school can sometimes become almost unbearable.
Whether pressure is stemming from social groups, friendships, social media, extra-curricular activities, grades, or family, sometimes you just need someone to come in and talk to. Coming in and talking to someone who is on the outside can be beneficial, because that person is not "in the mud" and can see the bigger picture perspective of all the various stressors in your life. That person can help you navigate through each one and help you create effective ways to cope.
No matter what is happening in your life as you return back to school, just know that you are not alone in your struggles, and you don't have to try to get through this on your on. Talking to a counselor will help you to feel that you are being understood and heard, and it will help you to get through these difficult experiences. So if you are going through a lot right now, whether it's stuff going on at home, difficulties in peer groups, or stress from school, please don't hesitate to contact a counselor and talk through these things. We all have to face life's challenges, but we do not need to face them alone.
