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Strategies to Combat Post-Summer Academic Doldrums

School resumption may lead to feelings of stress, sadness, or anxiety. Discover easy, practical strategies to facilitate a smooth transition and ward off melancholy during the back-to-school period.

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Counteracting Post-Summer School Depression: Strategies for a Smooth Transition
Counteracting Post-Summer School Depression: Strategies for a Smooth Transition

Strategies to Combat Post-Summer Academic Doldrums

In the approach to the new school year, open conversations with children can help both parents and kids stay grounded. Engaging in respectful dialogues about feelings, worries, and excitements can create low-pressure moments of connection [2][4].

Establishing consistent daily routines is another essential step. Predictability helps reduce anxiety and promotes mental well-being. Regular wake-up and bedtimes, homework time, meals, and extracurricular activities should be included in the schedule [4][5].

A healthy lifestyle is crucial during this transition period. Encourage adequate sleep, physical exercise, and balanced nutrition, as they boost mood and focus while lowering stress [4][5].

Social connections also play a vital role. Support friendships through playdates and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and resilience [4].

If back-to-school blues persist beyond the first few weeks, professional help may be necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be beneficial in building coping strategies and self-esteem [2]. In cases of school refusal or bullying, it's essential to communicate with school officials for support [2]. Overloading children with excessive tutoring should be avoided, as it may increase stress and emotional disorders [1].

Online therapy is available for teens and parents, offering flexible and convenient support without the need for commutes, waiting rooms, or carpools.

Our website provides up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health topics to help readers make informed decisions. Articles are extensively reviewed by a team of clinical experts, based on scientific research and evidence-based practices [6]. Trusted third-party sources are directly linked to or listed in the articles for easy access.

Planning small "anchors" for comfort, such as special rituals or regular family activities, can help inject predictability and remind children of enjoyable moments during the busy school year.

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Back-to-School Blues. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/stress-coping/back-to-school-blues/index.shtml [2] American Psychological Association. (2019). Helping Children Cope with School Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/school-anxiety [3] Child Mind Institute. (2020). Back-to-School Blues: Signs and Solutions. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/back-to-school-blues-signs-and-solutions/ [4] Understood. (2020). Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Learning and Attention Issues. Retrieved from https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/back-to-school/back-to-school-tips/back-to-school-tips-for-parents-of-children-with-learning-and-attention-issues [5] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Back-to-School Blues: Helping Your Child Adjust. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/back-to-school/art-20045092 [6] Mental Health America. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/about-us

  1. A licensed therapist can provide online therapy for teenagers and parents, offering flexible support during the hectic school year.
  2. If a child experiences depression, anxiety, or back-to-school blues beyond the initial weeks, consider seeking help from a psychiatrist or licensed therapist.
  3. Building coping strategies and self-esteem can be facilitated through CBT or DBT therapy for children dealing with school-related issues.
  4. Conversations about feelings, worries, and excitements with parents can contribute to the mental health of children during the school year, helping create low-pressure moments of connection.
  5. To foster resilience, encourage children to form supportive friendships through playdates and activities.
  6. For best results, parents should also focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the transition period, which includes promoting adequate sleep, physical exercise, and balanced nutrition.
  7. To inject predictability and remind children of enjoyable moments, plan small "anchors" for comfort, such as special rituals or regular family activities.

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