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# Happiness & Stress Can Co-Occur As Back To School Season Arrives
September is a time of transition for communities, family and children. Summer wanes. Autumn waxes. School buses are on the roll. Schedules shift and the stress that comes with busier days may show itself. At the same time, many families look forward to the anticipated rhythms of the school year. School aged children look forward to seeing friends, wearing new outfits, learning their new schedule.
Are you and your kids feeling happy, stressed or both? Both are definitely possible!
Research tells us that school aged students do experience anxiety, stress, and even depression as they return to school after summer break. Factors such as social pressures, academic expectations, and disruptions to routines contribute. However, establishing consistent routines, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting open communication can help children navigate these challenges and thrive in the new school year.
According to Sunny Patel, M.D., M.P.H. 
, Center for Mental Health Services at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there are many actions trusted adults can take to lower stress and promote a healthy transition:
# Promoting a Healthy Transition The return to school can be a stressful time, whether it's a child’s first day of kindergarten, a transition to middle or high school, or just the end of the freedoms of summer. It's normal for children to feel anxious about these changes.
Here’s how you can help ease their worries:
* **Communicate:** Encourage your child to express their feelings about going back to school. Acknowledge their fears, make them feel understood, and reassure them that it's perfectly normal to feel anxious about these changes.
* **Create Routines:** A consistent routine fosters a sense of security in children. Establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating healthy meals, and setting aside time for homework and relaxation can help children adjust to the rhythm of the school year.
* **Make Advance Preparations:** If possible, attend any scheduled school orientations. Meeting teachers, locating classrooms, and becoming familiar with the school layout can help students feel more confident on the first day of school. And if there is not a scheduled orientation, make time to visit the school ahead of time to help children familiarize themselves with the environment. It can also be helpful to practice morning routines like getting ready for the bus or identifying routes to school.
* **Encourage In-person Social Interactions:** Facilitate interaction with classmates to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. Social relationships can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable.
# Continuing Support at School: The Role of Educators Schools are crucial partners in supporting student mental health. Here are some ways educators can help:
* **Spot the signs:** Regular training sessions for teachers on how to recognize the signs of mental health concerns in students are vital. Knowledge of how to respond in such situations can ensure that children in need receive the help they deserve.
* **Create safe spaces:** Every child deserves a nurturing school environment where they feel safe to explore and express their feelings. Schools can promote this by establishing safe, caring spaces where students feel comfortable reaching out about their mental health without fear of judgment.
* **Integrate mental health into the curriculum:** Incorporating mental health education into the curriculum is a powerful strategy to reduce the prejudice and discrimination associated with mental health and substance use conditions. This promotes understanding and empathy, fostering a supportive environment for all students.”
See the article at: https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/back-to-school-and-mental-health-supporting-children