Back to school anxiety

[Emilyflett]

Hi all, my 14 year old is getting really anxious about going back to school. Any advice? What help is available?

Assume is year 10 so first year GCSE mantle get a few of the dust guides so they can have a look and get familiar with what they will be learning

Study guides

Thanks, that's very helpful - i'll provide her with some more study guides. She's been reviewing some materials ahead of time but I think her anxiety is not just due to academic stress. I'm thinking to get support but CAMHS will likely put us on a very long waitlist. Do you have any advice on where we can go?

Hi, I don't have any advice but just wanted to post that I have a 14-year-old daughter who is feeling exactly the same way. I think for her it's a little bit of academic anxiety because the staff have emphasised how important this year is but for her more of it is about the ever changing teenage friendship dynamics. It's certainly a hard time for us mums!

What particular things is she anxious about?
can you put together a notebook of worrries/ questions, and then sit down and try to write a plan together to deal with them- if she is worried about friendship groups/ callings out, what other friends does she have.

there are some good CBT based work books for anxiety- like think good feel good, or starving the anxiety gremlin that may help work through some strategies.

what is she good at? What does she enjoy? Planning more of those activities/ times can be helpful in positively managing negative feelings.

There are also lots online resources as well- Anna Freud online family resources, or the think ninja app is Nhs backed- these may get you some faster support than CAMHS.

I know I feel your struggle as well! Such a tough age to support. My biggest concern is that her anxiety snowballs into something bigger throughout the year, which is why I am looking for support at this stage. I just want her to be in the right frame of mind when she starts school so that she is fit to handle academic stress, teen friendship dynamic changes and whatever else is thrown at her at this stage. I'll let you know if I find anything. Wish you the best.

@Snowdropsarelovely

There is a good book on Amazon called Dare that deals with anxiety and panic, suitable for a 14 yr old. Reading up on anxiety is useful as the symptons can be quite worrying.
Panic End is a helpful online forum as well as Not Fine in School.

Have you got the contact details for the school SENCO? Your school may have a counsellor that the SENCO can refer too. If you can afford it get some private counselling for your DD or look at local charities which may offer support.

@Cantchooseaname Thanks alot for the advice. I'll check both platforms out and try implementing your tips. She doesn't communicate very well which is why I'm seeking external support but maybe with some activities she likes she'll communicate better.

The WHO published a guide on stress and anxiety.
It's very easy to access so maybe helpful to her.

When my DD is anxious we go through worse case scenarios.
She lists everything she's thinking about and we talk each thin through.

Just echoing Unbored's message - inform her school (Senco and/or there should be a mental health lead). Hopefully there will be someone who can keep a quiet eye on her, especially during breaks/lunchtimes, just to make sure she is interacting with her friends as usual and not withdrawing/developing challenging behaviours, etc. There are loads of online resources but finding the most apt app can be tricky! I've found Happymaps really good happymaps.co.uk/age-group/secondaryschool/secondaryschool-anxiety/ I very much doubt you will get anywhere with Camhs, even after a prolonged waiting time, but you could ask your GP, there are sometimes more readily available "lower level" services providing counselling and support for anxiety, low mood, etc. Hope it all goes OK in September for her.

I would try and support her yourself rather than hoping for CAHMS. Look online for tips and websites that you can use. Talk to her during an a activity eg cooking tea rather than a sit down face to face talk.

Help!! Child with major anxiety about school. Hes 10. Faking sickness. I'm at the end of my tether. He also has issues with bedtime and does not want to sleep.

He will keep calling me until I stay with him until he goes to sleep....

I'm feel I'm bordering a nervous breakdown. I have a job that is causing me stress as well..

What can I do??

MissPopp, sorry I missed your post, hope you got some sleep. I hear you with your child needing you to be with them to settle. I have struggled with my teenager needing me in the early hours when I'm already exhausted and thinking about all the other things that need doing the next day, not knowing if they will get into school and how I'm going to cope with everything. You need some help and support. In "professional terms" I suggest talking to your GP (for both you and your son), make an appointment with his school's Senco/mental health/wellbeing lead to explain how he is at home and look on happymaps.co.uk/ notfineinschool.co.uk/ www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/ But for you, try to contact a local support group - your local authority website should have a list of groups, usually for carers of disabled children but many of these will include mental health problems; Homestart have support groups in many areas, or will signpost you to a group that might help. Also Facebook groups can be good (not all, some made me feel worse!) But once you get in the algorithms more pop-up - Rollercoaster support are based in the NorthEast but might also be able to guide you to something more local to you. Just know that you are not alone, take care xx