School Reopening Anxiety: Helping Students to Overcome it

School reopening anxiety is a valid and frequently underestimated issue faced by most students upon returning to school after extended vacations. When schools finally open after a long time, say due to vacations, pandemics, or something else, naturally, students are likely to feel all sorts of things. While some students would eagerly wait to catch up with friends and resume the classrooms, others might have this feeling of terror, fear, or apprehension. This type of feeling has been referred to as school reopening anxiety, an experience common for many students.

Student feeling anxious while returning to school after a long break (Image source: Freepik)

In this blog, we’ll discuss anxiety, its different forms and symptoms, and the different ways to minimize it. We’ll also discuss how parents and teachers can help overcome this hurdle.

For students, what is the meaning of Anxiety?

Anxiety for students means a situation where one feels fearful, nervous or extremely concerned about future events like going back to school after a long time. Students get such a feeling due to academic pressure, the pressure of maintaining social relationships or finding it hard to adjust to a new routine after being away from school for a long time.

Common symptoms of school reopening anxiety in students (Image Source: Google)

Symptoms can include:

• Racing thoughts
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Headaches or stomach-aches

What Are the Different Forms of Anxiety?

Students express their anxiety in different ways, such as:

Generalised Anxiety: Preoccupation with several aspects of studying, e.g., grades, teachers, friends, or performance.

Generalized Anxiety: Preoccupation with several aspects of studying, e.g., grades, teachers, friends, or performance.

Social Anxiety: Fear of social interaction or fear of judgment by other students or teachers.

Separation Anxiety: Common in younger children the fear of separation from home or parents.

School reopening triggers separation anxiety in student (Image Source: Google)

Performance Anxiety: Sudden fear of failure or ineptness in school or outside activities.

Health-Related Anxiety: Post-pandemic anxiety regarding illness or hygiene.

Recognizing the type of school reopening anxiety is important for offering the right support.

How Can Students Themselves Overcome It?

While support from older members of the family is required, students can take some measures to eradicate anxiety problems, such as:

• Identify the Feeling: Accepting that one feels anxious is the first step towards overcoming the feeling.

• Maintain a proper schedule: Having established routines in daily life includes discipline and ruling out uncertainties.

• Practice Deep Breathing Exercises: Regular daily practice of meditation and deep breathing exercises control the issues of anxiety in the long term.

Student doing deep breathing to ease back-to-school anxiety (Image Source: Google)

• Ensure Organisation: Being in touch, properly prepared, and with precise assignment and timetable records diminishes the chance of last-minute stress problems or experiences.

• Speak Up: Discuss your emotion with a trusted friend, your brother or sister or a school counsellor and get wonderful relief.

How Can Schools Help in It?

Schools play a vital role in easing school reopening anxiety by creating a safe and welcoming environment:

• Host Orientation Days: Seamlessly arrange students’ gradual re-entry into their new learning environment before classes begin.

• Facilitate Open Communication: The teachers should promote openness in communication and attempt to establish a platform that is comfortable for the students to share their views freely.

• Mental Health Services: Easy availability of access to school-based counsellors or mental health workshops may be a way through which mental health care could benefit positively.

• Adaptable Expectations: Practicing patience and profound comprehension of academic performance during the transitional phase significantly alleviates pressure.

• Peer Support Programs: Buddy programs or student organizations can help students lessen anxiety and create a sense of belongingness.

How Can Parents Help Them Overcome It?

Children primarily seek emotional support from their parents. Some common ways through which they can help them out include:

Parental support helping kids cope with school reopening anxiety (Image Source: Google)

• Listen Without Judgement: Tell them to speak freely without fearing that they will be judged and listen to them carefully instead of attempting to solve their problems immediately.

• Make the Anxiety Normal: Reassure them that it is normal to be anxious and a common sensation felt by most individuals.

• Collaborate in Preparation: Get acquainted with the school, arrange for educational materials and examine daily routines to improve confidence.

• Mitigate Excessive Exposure to News or Stress Inducers: Especially news related to health that may exacerbate anxiety.

• Model Composed Behaviour: Children observe their parents and assimilate emotional signals from them, maintaining calmness and positivity fosters their sense of security and confidence. 

Feeling anxious about returning to school in a new session is a common feeling; however, with the backing of a proper support system, students can have a smooth transition. It is necessary that students, schools, and parents together build collaboration and bring in a culture in school that is academically stimulating and emotionally nurturing to deal with anxiety in healthy and constructive ways.

Looking to support students in easing school reopening anxiety while nurturing their confidence and personal growth?Check out our latest blog on Leadership Skills for Students and discover how young minds can build self-esteem, take initiative, and shine in academics and beyond!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What age group has the most anxiety about the reopening of school?

While anxiety is not limited to any age it is common among adolescent students due to their developmental and social transitions.

Q2. Can anxiety cause learning difficulties?

Yes, anxiety if not treated at the right time can bring difficulty in concentration level, reduce motivation, and bring avoidance in schoolwork.

Q3. How long does back-to-school anxiety last?

It is different from student to student. Some adjust in a few days, while for others it might take weeks. Consistent support helps accelerate the adjustment process.