Watching for burnout in students

School has started for some Coast districts as many others will start next week.

Therapists are advising teachers and parents alike of the burnout students may face throughout the academic year.

With every school year, there is a lot of uncertainty and readjustments from the summer months for students and teachers.

These adjustments and promotions for many students can often lead to high levels of anxiety and stress throughout the school year.

Stephanie Gurka of Thriveworks Therapy details how parents can assist their younger children as well as teens after a long school day. “It can really be helpful to dig in a little bit. Did you make any friends today? Who did you talk to? What makes a good friend can be helpful for younger kids? A great thing that we can help our kids with is really time management skills. You know, being able to manage all the stresses of life that a lot of times are fun, our friendships, our extracurricular activities, and also keeping up with schoolwork on top of that.”

Gurka says the transition from work to time off for the day is highly important for teachers to avoid burnout and that parents are key to giving their children freedom to be themselves after school. “Having some sort of transition at the end of the day to signify I need to step away from my work life and come into my home life, my personal life can be really helpful. That might be taking time by yourself to do a guided meditation, or just listening to a good song and put you in a nice mood. Allowing kids to be kids is really important. They need a break to at the end of the day when they come home from school, having some downtime, being able to go out and play with friends, spend some time outside, relax. Just like we do.”

Gurka also says that parents should pay attention if your child is constantly complaining of headaches, stomachaches, and refuses to go to school.

Lastly, peer to peer interaction with friends is an added boosts to kids’ morale throughout the year.

Gurka advises if you have ongoing stress and anxiety, reach out to a therapist.