Back-to-School: Helping Your Teen Navigate Social Anxiety

It’s normal for kids to feel some back-to-school jitters. But if your child is showing signs of something more concerning, such as depression, anxiety, or a refusal to return to school, you may want to reach out for help.

Social anxiety during this back-to-school period is common among teens, particularly those prone to emotional and neurobehavioral challenges.

“During this time of year, we see an increase in depression and anxiety among adolescents,” says Dave Cook, LMFT, Clinical Manager of ASPIRE at Hoag. “Hoag offers resources and counselors to help teens and their families navigate these experiences.”

ASPIRE at Hoag is an after-school program for adolescents aged 13-18 who are navigating trauma, grief and other emotional challenges. Focused on building hope, the program helps teens develop healthy coping strategies and positive life skills. This is an especially valuable approach for those experiencing anxiety or hesitation about returning to school.

Cook recommends that parents ask open-ended questions, listen closely, and seek support from the school, mental health professionals, or both if needed.

Listen Deeply

Understanding what’s behind your teen’s anxiety can help you figure out how best to support them and the way to start is simply by asking.

“Try asking open-ended questions to better understand what’s behind their anxiety about returning to school,” Cook says. “Is your child worried about bullying, test-taking, or something else?”

Here are a few questions that can help start a meaningful conversation:

• How do you feel about seeing your classmates or teachers again?

• What is something you’re looking forward to and something you’re worried about?

• Is there anything I can do to support you or make things feel easier?

Help Your Teen Identify Solutions

Listening and validating your child’s feelings may help them develop a game plan for addressing the issues. It can also illuminate a need and point to a direction for help, like a school counselor or mental health professional.

“Sometimes trauma, loss, or grief can contribute to school refusal,” Cook says. “If bullying or other issues at school are impacting your child’s willingness to attend, it’s important to talk with a school administrator or someone who can offer support and take action.”

Encourage Self Care

From breathing exercises and yoga to maintaining a healthy sleep routine, encouraging your teen to care for their mental and physical well-being can go a long way in easing anxiety.

Some teens may also benefit from professional support that helps them build resilience and self-esteem, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

“Giving teens tools to develop practical coping strategies can benefit them for life,” Cook says. “When families practice these strategies together at home, it reinforces their value, shows kids they’re not alone, and helps these skills stick long term.”

Back-to-School Mental Health Resources for You and Your Teen

If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, or if they are showing signs of anxiety or depression, reach out to the ASPIRE program at Hoag at 949-557-0077.