Feeling Anxious About Returning to School After a Month Away
It’s been a month since I last attended school, and I’m really struggling with the thought of going back. The last time I was there was in January, right after finals for semester 1 finished. Now, I have to face a ton of tests and quizzes that I barely grasped the first time around, and the pressure is overwhelming.
As a 9th grader, I usually get good grades—last semester I managed all A’s and A+’s except for one B+. But now, I feel completely unmotivated and I’m falling behind in all my classes. I can’t shake the feeling of disappointment, and it’s making me feel depressed. I’ve been avoiding checking my grades because I know I’ll just see a bunch of missing assignments and failures. My procrastination has skyrocketed lately, and I struggle to find the energy to even get up in the morning.
Some days, I might feel motivated to return, but that quickly turns into anxiety as soon as I wake up and realize it’s time to face reality. I’ve always had issues with attendance, and I worry my teachers and friends might be frustrated with me because of it.
On top of everything, I’ve also been having a hard time sleeping. I find it nearly impossible to stay asleep for more than two hours before waking up again. I really need some support right now.
It’s completely understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed about going back to school after being away for a while. It sounds like you’ve been through a tough month, and it’s okay to feel anxious about catching up. Here are some things you could consider:
Talk to Someone: If you haven’t already, try to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, school counselor, or teacher. They can help you navigate your feelings and may be able to assist with your classes.
Take It Slow: Instead of overwhelming yourself with everything at once, try to set small, manageable goals. Maybe aim to check the grades app for just a few minutes or commit to completing one assignment. Break things down into little steps.
Reach Out: If you’re comfortable, reach out to your friends. They might understand what you’re going through and could help you catch up on missed assignments or notes. Remember, real friends will be supportive and understanding.
Self-Care: Focus on taking care of yourself. Try to establish a calming bedtime routine to help with your sleep issues. Even just a few minutes of relaxation or journaling before bed can make a difference.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re feeling persistently depressed and anxious, it might be helpful to speak to a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and strategies to cope with what you’re feeling.
Remember You’re Not Alone: Many students struggle with similar feelings, especially after a break. Try to remind yourself that it’s okay to ask for help and that you can get through this with time and support.
You’ve done well in the past, and while it’s tough right now, this moment doesn’t define your entire school experience. Take it one day at a time!