|
As summer comes to an end, preparing for the return to school is an annual routine for millions of students, families, and caregivers across the nation. For some, that means a child starting kindergarten or a teen entering high school. For others, it means preparing for move-in day for college, the start of graduate school, or beginning a new trade program. Parents and families also feel the ripple effects of these transitions as they support their loved ones through another year of learning while juggling schedules, financial demands, and the emotional ups and downs of supporting students.
While back-to-school can bring excitement and opportunities, it also creates unique pressures that can take a toll on mental health. These transitions can have a real impact on mental health, and for many, the season brings intense feelings of overwhelm—and these stressors don’t stop with students. Families and caregivers carry much of the weight, too.
Before we dig deeper into this topic, here’s a quick update on what the Clearinghouse has been up to lately.
| | |
Fall has officially begun!
Here’s a look at what the Self-Help Clearinghouse has been up to this quarter:
-
Wrap Seminar I: The SHCH coordinator, Megan Macapagal (that’s me!) co-facilitated her first WRAP in July and just finished co-facilitating another WRAP with her supervisor, Kelly Uhland, who is also the Assistant Director of Education & Outreach and certified ALF (advanced-level WRAP Facilitator)!
-
SHCH Webinars: Past webinars include “Facilitating Through Crisis: Navigating Group Disruptions with Confidence and Compassion” - hosted by Kelly Uhland; “Understanding the NJ Psychiatric Advance Directive (PAD)” – hosted by Eve Ellsworth (Consumer Connections) & Megan Macapagal
-
NJPN: On September 12th, Megan Macapagal (along with Consumer Connections' director, Chrissy Schayer, and administrative assistant, Emily Kurc) participated in the NJPN Peer Recovery Summit at Brookdale College in Monmouth County! Megan not only shared information about the SHCH, but she also shared information about MHAOC's R.O.A.D.S Community Peer Recovery Center and MHAAC's UBW virtual support groups. (picture included below)
-
Outreach: As schools start back up, the SHCH focused their outreach efforts on colleges! Megan Macapagal appeared on Ocean County College grounds on September 22nd, tabling at the student center to promote SHCH and MHANJ as a whole. She will continue to seek similar opportunities in other colleges and universities in NJ. (picture included below)
-
Support Group Requests: The SHCH continues to answer over 100 requests per quarter from individuals seeking for support group and related resources!
As we move further into the fall season and closer to the holidays, we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum!
| | |
Regardless of your age and the year of school you’re stepping into, common stressors include but are not limited to:
-
Academic pressure and high expectations: Tests, grades, and competitive environments create daily stress.
-
Social dynamics and pressure: Navigating friendships, cliques, and social media.
-
Transitions: Adjusting to a new school, new teachers, new peers, or even a whole new environment.
-
Financial strain: Rising costs of supplies, tuition, or extracurriculars.
-
Extracurricular demands: Athletics, clubs, and other commitments can overwhelm schedules.
-
Sleep difficulties: Early start times and late-night workloads cut into rest.
These challenges do not stop with students — families, caregivers, as well as school staff often carry their own stress while supporting students.
| | |
These statistics make it clear that school does not simply coexist with mental health; it actively shapes it.
Stress can ripple into many areas of life. When left unaddressed, these pressures may lead to:
-
Declining academic performance: Stress and anxiety make it harder to focus, retain information, and stay motivated, leading to lower grades despite the efforts to work harder.
-
Sleep disruption: Students often sacrifice hours of sleep to finish assignments or worry about deadlines, which in turn worsens concentration, mood, and physical health.
-
Burnout and exhaustion: The combination of daily stress, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities can create a cycle of constant fatigue.
-
Increased anxiety and depression: Academic stress has been shown to directly correlate with a decline in mental well-being among high school and college students.
-
Lower self-esteem and self-worth: Constant comparison, fear of failure, or struggling to meet expectations can erode confidence.
-
Risky coping behaviors: In some cases, unmanaged school stress can lead students toward substance use or other unhealthy coping strategies.
- Etc.
| | |
When we think about “back to school stress,” students often come to mind first. But the reality is, school transitions affect entire communities—parents, caregivers, and even teachers and staff carry these pressures, too.
Support groups can provide:
-
For students: a safe space to share academic stress, peer pressures, or identity struggles without judgment.
-
For families and caregivers: connection with others who understand the challenges of supporting a child or teen experiencing stress, while also helping them manage their own stress.
-
For educators and school staff: a confidential space to process workload demands and the balance of personal well-being with professional responsibilities.
-
For everyone: a reminder that stress is easier to manage when we face it together.
Whether you are a student, a parent, or part of a school community, support groups can be a powerful way to reduce isolation and strengthen mental well-being during the back-to-school season.
| | Finding the right support can make all the difference! Here are some options to explore: | | |
For college guides and toolkits:
Looking for support groups offered by your school?
Most universities and colleges offer support groups through their counseling or wellness center. You can often stop by in person or check your school’s website to see what’s available. If you’re not finding what you need, reach out directly! Staff can point you in the right direction and are often able to connect you with other resources.
| | |
While these resources are valuable, there is still a gap in support groups specifically designed for students. Few groups focus directly on academic stress, groups for middle schoolers and high schoolers are few and far between, and families often find that the options available don’t fully meet their needs.
That’s why the Clearinghouse is always looking to:
- Connect with new groups
- Expand awareness of existing ones
- Encourage anyone interested in starting a group of their own
If you know of a support group for students, families, or school staff — or want to start one — please reach out to us at njgroups@mhanj.org
| | |
Back-to-school involves transitions, growth, and many challenges. Students are adapting to new environments and expectations, families are juggling support roles and shifting routines, and educators are balancing their own well-being while caring for others.
This time of year can bring stress, and it can also stir up feelings of uncertainty, pressure, or even isolation. Recognizing these experiences is important, but even more important is knowing that no one has to navigate them alone. Consider joining a support group or starting one of your own this back-to-school season! :-)
Before you click away, make sure to view the wonderful flyers from organizations showcasing their groups and other related services!
| | | | |
