COPING WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY AFTER A PANDEMIC
Written by: Ioana Pal, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist, Stramski Children's Developmental Center, Memorial Care Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach
What Can You Do to Support Your Child?
For adolescents, social contact is important and contributes to identity formation. With the disruption to life that COVID-79 brought, readjustment may take a while. Be patient, observant and encouraging; don’t assume all kids will bounce back automatically.
With extra support, your child can have a successful school year. Start with these tips:
- Set clear expectations and repeat as needed, verbally or in writing.
- Welcome and be prepared for questions.
- Be honest about your ability to help and who else may be supportive, including other family members or adults in the community and at school.
- Model and role play hypothetical situations that may come up with the return to school.
- Re-instate schedules (eating and sleeping) two to four weeks before school starts.
- Check with the school at least a week before in case new policies are in effect.
- Set up a tour to visit your child’s school or classroom.
- Familiarize your child with the route to school and/or physical space, especially if they’re new to in-person learning.
- Pair your child with a friend for the first week to decrease isolation and improve their chance of socialization from the start.
- Get your child extra support if they’re behind academically.
- Find a support system to lean on during this transition.
"It's normal for children to feel anxious about a new school year. But this year may be particularly difficult as many kids are making the adjustment from distance learning to a physical campus, and some may even attend school for the first time. "
Identifying Anxiety or Depression
Children as young as 3 years old can experience anxiety and depression symptoms. In fact, more than 20 percent of adolescents experience mental health problems. Some anxiety is normal, but if after a few weeks it persists, you should consult with a school counselor, school psychologist or other mental health professional. Seek professional help if your child is having a difficult time making friends, talking to peers, asking questions or behaving in unusual ways.
Anxiety and depression can look very similar in children. Common signs include:
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches
• Restlessness
• Expressing more negative thoughts
• Anger
• Moping/pouting (out of character)
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Refusal to engage in specific or previously enjoyed activities
• Being clingy and refusing to leave parents or home
• Fearful of being outside
• Difficulties separating from electronics (more than typical)
• Eating more or less than usual
Dr. Pal works for the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Dr. Pal and the Stramski Center are available to help connect families to mental health services and other resources in the community as needed.
