Ready for School? Make Sure Mental Health is in Your Equation.
By David Glass
August 29, 2023
By Julia Cohen, LMSW, PMH-C, Director of Community Initiatives
Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit
Returning back to school can be a tricky time that can bring up a wide array of emotions. For some, it is a time of excitement—excitement for new classes, reconnecting with friends, and resuming favorite sports and activities. For others, it can be a time of great stress and anxiety—anxiety about grades and pressure to perform, facing bullies again, navigating complex social dynamics, and returning to an overcommitted and demanding schedule. It is important to acknowledge and hold space for all of these feelings as we enter into a new school year.
If you find yourself struggling or needing extra support, it is important to reach out for help. This help may look like reaching out to a friend, talking with a parent or guardian, or meeting with a school social worker. Know that you are not alone and that help and support is available. As you are preparing to return to school, make sure to also prepare for how you are going to take care of your mental health this school year. What supports do you need? What are you going to do to refuel and recharge when you feel depleted? How are you going to strive for balance? What will help you stay organized? Where will you turn should you have concerns about your mental health or the mental health of a friend? If you aren’t sure, check out the resources below.
It is also important to remember, as Brene Brown reminds us, that there are no prerequisites to worthiness. Your worthiness is not determined by your GPA, the number of activities you are involved in, or what college you get into. You are worthy and whole just as you are.
Mental Health Resources
JHelp: call 1-833-445-4357 or visit jhelp.org
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
Trevor Project Hotline: call 1-866-488-7386, text ‘start’ to 678678 or chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help
Crisis Text Line: text ‘home’ to 741741
Common Ground: 1-800-231-1127
