Starting (or going back to) school can feel like a lot. New classes, new people, new expectations — even if you don’t talk about it, your body might still feel it.
If you’re feeling nervous, flat, excited, overwhelmed, or all of the above – that’s normal.
Here are a few things that can help.
You don’t have to feel ready
No one really feels 100% ready. You’re allowed to take time to settle in. There’s no rush to have everything figured out.
Big feelings?
Feeling anxious, tired, grumpy or shut down doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It usually means your nervous system is working overtime.
Take it one piece at a time
You don’t need to think about the whole term or year. Just today. Just this class. Just getting through the morning.
You don’t have to be “on” all the time
It’s ok to be quiet. It’s ok to need space. It’s ok to take breaks when you can.
If something feels off, trust that feeling
If school is feeling too hard, unsafe, or overwhelming – telling someone can really help. That might be a friend, a teacher, a youth worker, or another adult you trust.
We see young people navigating a lot – Remember it’s ok to take things slowly while you find your feet.
You’ve got this!
