CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsCoping with back to school anxiety

Coping with back to school anxiety

By Nicole Johnson  bio | email

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - The back-to-school countdown is nearing an end. It can be a very exciting time for some students and parents, but it can also bring out emotions like fear, dread, or anxiety.

Preparing for the first day, Angie Bowen and Kelsey are visiting school a few days early. For parents like Bowen feelings of anxiety can stem from saying goodbye, the separation, and the fear of the unknown.

"You don't really until they've been here for a couple weeks, and see if they're adjusting well, and see if they're remembering what they learned the year before, if they're going to learn the new things. It's a real big adjustment," Bowen said.

Psychiatrist Dr. Peter Sukin says anxiety affects children too.

"A lot of kids are very anxious particularly if they're going to a new school, or sometimes too just going to a new grade they don't know what to expect. The unknown is always anxiety provoking," Dr. Sukin said.

Mental health professionals say allowing a child to stay home because of anxiety may not be a good idea because it could start a cycle. Instead, deal with the problem and the causes.

Dr. Sukin says problems can arise from the new workload, new people, and possibly bullies.

"If they kids present any kind of problems it's important for the parents to contact the school, have regular conferences with the teachers, and make sure whatever problem there can be get taken care of," Dr. Sukin said.

To avoid the added stress of the school year Dr. Sukin says communication and creating a schedule can be key.

Bowen, who is president of Springfield Elementary PTA, says involvement helps ease her fears of the unknown.

"I know what's going on. I get to hear a lot because a lot of people come and talk to you. You get a lot of information if you're actually on a board or if you volunteer you get to meet a lot people and find out what they know," Bowen said.

To get parents involved, districts like Charleston, Berkeley, DD2, and DD4 offer programs at their schools like PTA, open house, and parent breakfasts.

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