Embracing a New School Year: Essential Tips for Supporting Young People's Mental Health

Starting a new school year can bring excitement, but it also often brings stress and anxiety for young people. Adjusting to new routines, meeting new classmates, and facing academic challenges can affect mental health in significant ways. Supporting young people during this transition is crucial to help them feel confident, safe, and ready to learn.

Recognising the Signs of Stress and Anxiety

Young people may not always express their feelings openly. It helps to know common signs of stress and anxiety, such as:

• Changes in sleep patterns or appetite

• Withdrawal from friends or activities

• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks

• Increased irritability or mood swings

• Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches

  
  

Parents, teachers, and caregivers should watch for these signs and gently encourage conversations about feelings. Creating a safe space where young people feel heard can make a big difference.

Building a Supportive Environment at School

Schools play a key role in promoting mental health. Here are some ways schools can support students:

• Create welcoming spaces where students can relax or talk to counselors

• Train staff to recognise mental health issues and respond appropriately

• Encourage peer support programs that foster connection and understanding

• Integrate mental health education into the curriculum to reduce stigma

  
  

When students know their school cares about their well-being, they are more likely to reach out when they need help.

Helping Young People Manage Stress

Teaching practical stress management skills empowers young people to cope better. Some effective strategies include:

• Time management: Using planners or apps to organise homework and activities

• Mindfulness exercises: Simple breathing techniques or meditation to calm the mind

• Physical activity: Regular exercise to boost mood and reduce tension

• Creative outlets: Drawing, writing, or music to express emotions

  
  

Encourage young people to try different methods and find what works best for them.

Encouraging Open Communication at Home

Parents and guardians can support mental health by fostering open dialogue. Tips for meaningful conversations include:

• Ask open-ended questions like “How was your day?” or “What was the best and hardest part of school?”

• Listen without judgment or immediate solutions

• Share your own experiences to normalise challenges

• Respect their privacy but stay involved in their daily life

  
  

Showing empathy and understanding helps young people feel valued and less alone.

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, stress and anxiety become overwhelming and require professional support. Signs that it may be time to seek help include:

• Persistent sadness or irritability lasting weeks

• Withdrawal from all social activities

• Decline in academic performance

• Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others

  
  

School counselors, psychologists, or community mental health services can provide assessment and treatment. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Broulee Psychology can help

Broulee Psychology has a team of psychologists who are trained to support young people and their families. With the addition of new team members this year, we have immediate availability for new clients. Give our admin team a call today on 02 4445 2015 for more information. With a referral from your GP, you or your child can access up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions each calendar year.