Navigating Seasons of Change

Fall is a time of transition. As the weather grows colder, we get back into cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice, hot cocoa, and watch the leaves turn red and gold. However, these aren’t the only transitions that occur during this time. As the warmth of summer turns into the coziness of fall, another major transition occurs: the return to school.

School is such a normal part of life that it can be easy to forget the stress that can come along with it. For many families, this season is a mix of the excitement of new beginnings and the pressure of expectations. A study conducted by the CDC found that visits to the emergency room for mental health related issues, such as depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders increased in children aged 10-17 as the school year begins. The finding suggests that there is an increase in adolescents that coincides with the start of school. In addition, the World Health Organization reports that 1 in 7 teens struggle with a mental health disorder, making back-to-school time even more challenging for many students.

And the return to school doesn’t only affect children. Parents often juggle packed schedules, transportation logistics, and help with homework, all while trying to maintain a sense of balance at home. Meanwhile, children are handling academic pressure, learning to manage new teachers and getting back into extracurriculars. Add in the challenges of maintaining friendships and coping with social dynamics, and it’s no wonder that many students feel overwhelmed. The constant push to meet expectations can lead to emotional exhaustion, for both children and parents.

For families living in rural areas, like much of Nevada County, these challenges can be even more difficult to manage. Rural communities face additional boundaries to accessing mental health care that include a shortage of providers, limited transportation options and fewer specialized services. These barriers mean that many children, teens and parents who are struggling may go without the support they need. Without intervention, emotional distress can deepen over time, making access to care more important than ever.

At Anew Day, we understand that the transition back to school can be a difficult time. Over the years, we’ve worked with countless children, teens, and parents who face the challenges of this season. Whether it’s academic stress, social anxiety, or difficulties managing emotional health, we’re here to help. Our goal is to offer compassionate support to families who are navigating the complexities of school-related stress. We provide free counseling and affordable therapy to anyone in need of hope and healing.

You don’t need to navigate the pressures of back-to-school alone. At Anew Day, we are dedicated to helping families not just survive this season but truly thrive.

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