From Stress to Success: Addressing Anxiety and Depression at The Start of the New School Year

Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common among students, especially during transitions like the beginning of a new school year. Anxiety can make students feel nervous, worried, or scared about school-related activities. Anxiety is a normal and healthy reaction that protects us from danger by making us hyperaware and ready for action, known as the "fight or flight" response. However, anxiety disorders occur when our anxiety response becomes disproportionate to everyday situations.

Depression, on the other hand, can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy. Students who experience depression may also struggle with low energy, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. This condition can lead to changes in appetite and sleep patterns, such as insomnia or oversleeping, and can even cause physical symptoms like aches and pains. Depression affects one's emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks and maintain relationships.

Recognizing the Signs

Families and staff should be aware of signs of anxiety and depression. If there is a major change in everyday habits or drop in academic performance, it’s crucial to take these signs seriously and seek assistance if necessary. Reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or chatting at https://988lifeline.org/ for immediate assistance.

The Stats are Startling

According to a 2020 report from Tech & Learning University, student anxiety and depression are escalating, and adolescent suicides are on the rise. The statistics are alarming:

• One in six teens have seriously considered suicide in the past year.
• More than 3,000 high school students attempt to end their own lives every day.
• 70% of students with a mental health disorder do not receive treatment.

Open Communication

One of the best ways to address mental health issues is through open communication. Encourage students to talk about their feelings. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. Listening can make a big difference.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Healthy habits can play a significant role in managing anxiety and depression. Encourage students to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in physical activities. Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Utilize School Resources

Most schools offer resources to help students with mental health issues. These can include counselors, support groups, and mental health awareness programs. Encourage students to take advantage of these resources. At Logos School, we offer an innovative and intensive therapeutic program that is the cornerstone of our approach. Upon enrollment, every student is paired with a dedicated therapist who works closely with them to develop and support their therapeutic and academic goals. We provide real-time interventions and weekly individual and group therapies, with optional family sessions, ensuring students have the support they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Seek Professional Help

If anxiety or depression persists, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Staff and counselors can provide strategies and treatments to help students manage their mental health effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you think it’s needed.

Stay Positive and Supportive

Finally, maintaining a positive and supportive environment is crucial. Celebrate small victories and encourage students to set achievable goals. Remind them that it’s okay to ask for help and that they are not alone in their struggles.

Starting the new school year with a focus on mental health can turn stress into success. By understanding, recognizing, and addressing anxiety and depression, students can have a more positive and productive school year. Let's make mental health awareness a priority in our schools and communities.

Logos School provides a lifeline to students through a transformative, personalized therapeutic and academic program, fostering a path to hope and success. We welcome students through open enrollment, whether privately or through their home school district. Our structured, yet flexible environment fosters our students needs with compassion and acceptance and cultivates a supportive peer community, empowering students toward graduation or mainstreaming success.

Contact Logos staff at: 314-997-7002 ext. 116 or fill out our inquiry form to set up your virtual or in-person tour and experience a path to hope and success.