Return To School by Jason La Kier, MS

School-going children & adolescents often spend between six and eight hours a day at school, and can spend even more time at extracurricular activities, on the commute to and from school, or doing required homework when they’re finally home. It’s no wonder that school plays a major role in mental health! Whether that role is a positive or negative one depends on what support structures are available to the individual, and whether concerns are recognized and addressed appropriately. 

Stress, anxiety, and depression around going to school is common at all ages, for a variety of reasons—fear of failure or disappointing grades, struggling with paying attention to and understanding material, and experiencing bullying or harassment by peers are some common causes, but there are countless personal reasons an individual might feel negatively at school. Sometimes these feelings around school are signs of a mental health condition such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or Major Depressive Disorder, while other times they’re temporary reactions to stressors. If you (or your child) notice that school is having a negative effect on mental health, it’s worthwhile to talk to a teacher, school guidance counselor, or other adult you trust in the school system. Relevant support & accommodations can make a major difference in making school a positive environment instead of one to be afraid of. 

School can provide an opportunity for children & adolescents to receive valuable social support and peer connections, to gain insight into themselves and the world around them, and to be better prepared to face everything the world has to offer in adulthood. There’s a lot to look forward to and enjoy about school, with the right mindset, even if it doesn’t end up being the highlight of the day. If it’s difficult to reframe or imagine things in a better light, and school continues to be a major source of stress and discomfort most or every day, talking to a therapist could help. White Cloud has a playroom and an art room for young clients (though adults can use them too!) and our clinicians can provide support ranging from a safe place to vent minor frustrations about 

a bad week at school school all the way to getting started on medication for long-term mental health symptoms. Here’s hoping the 2025-2026 school year is one full of excitement, learning, and support for everyone!