Back to School Stress: It’s Real, and You’re Not Alone
Let’s be honest — going back to school isn’t always the fresh start people make it out to be. Maybe your stomach’s already in knots, your mind is running a mile a minute, and you’re wondering how you’re going to juggle all of it. Whether you’re heading into high school or going away for college, one thing is true: this time of year can feel like a lot.
Why it feels so heavy
Back-to-school stress shows up in different ways. Maybe it’s the late-night “what if I’m not good enough?” spiral, the awkward worry about where you’ll sit at lunch, or the pressure of classes that feel like they’re out to crush you (I’m looking at you, Chemistry). Add in the early mornings, busy schedules, and that constant feeling that you’re supposed to have it all figured out… yeah, no wonder you’re stressed!
If you’re a teen or young adult
Here’s the thing: feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re weak or not on track — it means you’re human. Change is hard, and you’re doing the best you can. Some small things that might help:
Shrink the big picture. Don’t think about the whole school year ahead of you — just focus on today. One step at a time!
Take care of your body. I know, I know — you’ve heard it before. (If you’ve been a client of mine, you’ve probably heard it many times before.) But sleep, food, and even moving your body a little can really change how you handle stress.
Say it out loud. Talk to someone you trust. A friend, a parent, (a therapist…) Carrying it all inside just makes it heavier.
If you’re a parent reading this
You see your baby (who now somehow has the body of a teenager — or even more shocking, a full-blown adult) struggling, and it’s hard. I get it. You want to jump in with solutions, or share words of wisdom now that you’re on the other side of things. To adults, sometimes the woes of high school can seem so… trivial. It can be hard to remember how utterly anxiety-inducing, and at times, downright painful these years can truly be. Resist the urge to remind them that “ten years from now, none of this will even matter!” Often times what your child needs most is for you to just listen. Remind them that feeling nervous or overwhelmed is normal. And encourage balance — yes, school matters, but so does rest, fun, and having a life outside of academics.
The bottom line
Back-to-school stress is real, but it doesn’t have to run the show. Whether you’re the one heading into class or the parent cheering from the sidelines, know this: you’re not alone in it. Talking about what you’re going through — whether that’s with family, friends, or a therapist — can make things feel lighter and way more manageable. You got this!
💡 At Morrow Therapeutics, I support parents and students navigating the stress of back-to-school transitions. If anxiety, overwhelm, or juggling responsibilities feels challenging, you don’t have to manage it alone. Together, we can develop strategies, build resilience, and create a smoother school-year experience.