Back to school stressors for students with mental illness

Returning back to school can cause many stressors to students in all levels of education from elementary to graduate school especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.   A person’s angst can stem from a variety of sources such as wearing masks, getting vaccinated, being around others who are not vaccinated,  attending virtual versus live lectures, and/or if we will go back to lockdown. However, students with a mental illness may struggle adapting  returning back to school if they do not have proper help from administration and their health providers.  

ADHD students may struggle with:

• Paying attention in class
• Comprehending readings
• Being organized and maintaining their schedules
• Completing school and homework assignments
• Sitting still in their desks and have restless feeling of moving around.

Anxious students may struggle with:

• Attending large schools and interacting with a variety of students.
• Constant worrying about their responsibilities such as tests and homework which may lead to avoidance of tasks.
• Unexpected panic attacks which can be triggered by anxiety provoking events in school

Depressed students may struggle with:

• Lack of motivation and interests in school and extra-curricular activities
• Difficulty concentrating in class, feelings of distraction, and inability to be make decisions
• Low energy based on poor appetites and sleep disturbances which can effect school performance

OCD, PTSD, Bipolar, and Schizophrenic students can also struggle with issues of concentration and motivation based on their individual symptoms which may impair their functioning in school.

Here are some practical tips to address your mental health stressors at school:

• Discuss with your school administration to provide accommodations based on your mental health concerns. For example, a student with panic attacks, may be able to step out of class when symptoms arise or a student with social anxiety may leave class few minutes before rotating classes.
• Teachers and counselors can assist in creating a customized plan for the student to help with handling academics and their schedule.
• Hiring a tutor can help you have a better grasp of your subjects and stay on top of what you are learning.
• Set up an appointment with a therapist and/or psychiatrist to help develop a treatment plan for your symptoms.
• Your therapist and/or psychiatrist can collaborate with your school officials in creating reasonable accommodations to help support your academic endeavors.
• Following your school's health policies regarding COVID-19 pandemic safety and hygiene protocols.

We at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions are here to serve you. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (703) 955-0915 or email at info@gpsmindset.com.  

You can follow us on Facebook,Instagram, Youtube and Twitter @GPSMINDSET. 

Author

Dr. Ifeanyi Olele Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees adolescent and adult patients in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. Dr. Olele is a dedicated psychiatrist in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is one of the few psychiatrists who utilizes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of his treatment plan.