2018 September COLONY Magazine

TENT CITY
Coping with new school year stress
“The two most powerful warriors are
patience and time.” — Leo Tolstoy
A
new school year, new job,
new living arrangement,
and even a new relationship
can cause stress. For many,
the fall means back to school, a
return to routine, or time to begin
a new term. Some view the
fall as a chance to make a fresh
start and an opportunity to make
new friends. However, individuals
with challenges such as Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD), learning disabilities
and depression may find transitions
difficult.
These transitions can be particularly
challenging for individuals
with mental health concerns
because they can struggle with
friendships, may have difficulty
relating to teachers, or may experience
feelings of discontent.
If you have a loved one, friend,
colleague, or acquaintance that is
dealing with a mental health issue,
there are ways you can assist with
transitions. Local school officials
and North County centers such
as the LINK can identify available
services and support youth
and families to connect with
needed services.
For many preschool, elementary,
middle, and high school
students transitions to a different
school can signify social
and educational development.
Regular events such as puberty,
changing schools, making friends
and accepting more autonomy
are considered a rite of passage.
Often the physical environment
in which the transition occurs is
larger in size and expectations.
When compared to the smaller,
single-teacher environment of
an elementary school, students at
the middle or high school meet
multiple teachers and differing
expectations. Transitioning to
the workplace or college can also
cause stress, further challenging
those with disabilities.
Young adults with mental
health issues can face difficulties,
from getting educational accommodations
to accessing affordable,
high-quality mental health
care. The transition to college or
Jim Brescia
By Jim Brescia, SLO County Superintendent
the workplace may also require
some planning. If an individual
is overwhelmed by the process of
getting ready for post-secondary
education, there are organizations
such as Transition Year that can
help. People may assume that
the major obstacle in adjusting
to campus life or the workplace
will be academic. However, research
shows that emotional issues
are most likely to interfere
with success during transitions,
even young adult transitions.
There is no “right” routine for
back to school time. Stress reducing
methods include:
• Time Buffer-If something takes
longer than planned, extra time
reduces anxiety.
• Individual Path-Personal preference
in completing tasks can
reduce stress.
• Group Support-Agreement
and support reduces anxiety.
• Task Lists-Breaking tasks into
parts may reduce the stress and
simplify the process.
Fall transitions can be difficult
for individuals with stress-related
issues, but anticipating and
working to counteract problems
in advance can assist with transitional
anxiety.
San Luis Obispo County residents
have access to 2-1-1 SLO
County, a free program, that is a
one-stop way to obtain timely access
to health and human services
and referrals. Together we make
our community stronger.
5935 Entrada Ave.,
Atascadero, Ca 93422
Children’s
Consignment
(805)296-3600
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