Back To School: How Does it Affect Mental Health in Children, Teens, and College Students

Going back to school can be a stressful time for many.

Regardless of being a teenager going back to school or a college student entering a new semester, we all face the same obstacles that include loneliness, academic pressure, social anxiety, or hopelessness.

Here at Growth and Recovery, we are able to address these issues and work through them to help you or someone that you know navigate the struggles of going into the routine that school obligates.

Back-to-School Concerns for Children and Teens

Children are more susceptible to having mental health issues being unseen or untreated.

One in five children has a diagnosable mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder.

Because of the link between mental health and children’s academic success, awareness of mental health should be a core part in back-to-school preparation. Some common worries with school changes include:

Meeting new people like teachers and classmates
Handling an increase of schoolwork
Trying to fit in socially
Managing the new schedule compared to the summer schedule

While some children and teens can adjust after a few weeks, many stay in this stressful loop, which can continue to worsen.

Transitioning back to school is a life change and shouldn’t be seen as something that they will simply get over. Pressures in juggling academics with the schedule can result in anxiety and depression.

Signs that a student may need extra help:

Feeling hopeful for more than a few weeks
Not wanting to join activities
Changes in eating or sleeping
Trouble concentrating on schoolwork
Having panic attacks
Using drugs or alcohol

How Can You Promote a Healthy Transition?

Whether it’s a child’s first day back at elementary school or a teenager’s first day back at high school, it’s normal to feel anxious about the changes that come with going back to school. Families can facilitate support in many ways to help students that are struggling.

Remember to:

Communicate with each other: Create an environment that allows the student to express their feelings. Make them feel understood with their back-to-school struggles
Create consistent routines: Routines can help younger individuals to feel more secure. Setting a regular sleep schedule or setting aside specific time for homework and relaxation can help them adjust more efficiently to the school year
Encourage social interactions: If they are comfortable, facilitating interactions with friends or making new friends can make the transition more enjoyable for them

What are some coping mechanisms that teens can implement?

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation: Things like walking outside or focusing on your breathing reduces stress
Getting physical activity: Regular exercise can improve your mood and decrease stress and anxiety
Journaling: Use a journal as an outlet to express your feelings without judgement
Seek professional help: Know that there are mental health professionals who can help with getting support through rough school experiences and transitions

Back to School Concerns for College Students

In 2026, more than 60% of college students were found to have been struggling with a mental health issue. These issues consisted of anxiety, stress, or depression as the most common.

The transition to college for the first time or going back again for another semester can be intimidating or daunting.

Some factors that contribute to these mental health issues include:

Social media use: Social comparison might make you feel a sense of missing out or as if you’re not doing enough
Academic pressure: A heavier course load can lead to burnout
Economic instability: College is financially demanding on top of the other demands school brings
Isolation: Moving away from already established support systems can make the transition harder

College is a great investment and obligates many to sacrifice financial stability. Going back to school from the summer break might cause students to stop working in order to focus on their classes. Without this added income, keeping up with tuition costs can be
very stressful on top of academic and social demands.

What can you do to prioritize your mental health?

Practice self-care: Remember to get adequate sleep, maintain good nutrition, and get regular exercise. Try to find a good balance between the new demands that college brings and your own health. Lastly, recognize a routine that you can adhere to
Seek support services: Not only are mental health support services vital in the transition, but academic and health services can also be available at school
Continue the care of your mental health challenges: Ensure that a mental health condition that you have struggled with in the past is continued to be treated properly

At Growth and Recovery, we support teens and young adults through life’s and school’s challenges. We help you build confidence, manage stress and thrive outside of the classroom at your pace. Give us a call today to make your new school semester as great as possible!