Back To School Mental Health Tips

Hi Michy Minions! I know some of yall are in school or about to start school real soon. I thought it would be a perfect time, to give some tips on managing your mental health, for back to school. I know it has been a long time since I’ve been in school and I’m pretty sure there has been a few changes since then, but… all in all, things are generally the same on the surface level. There will forever be cliques, bullies, popular kids, and the “weirdos” Let’s not forget the drama! Parents wouldn’t think there is a lot of drama for their kids, but there is! Let me put it this way, by the time I was 14 years old, I was so happy to embark high school, that I couldn’t wait to enter into a more “mature environment”. Not only my naïve thought of a drama free life teenage life were crushed, but it was more of a headache.

So, to all the youngins out there, I get it. I’m probably old to most of yall, but trust and believe when I say, I get it. Unfortunately, that’s just for being a “normal” teen. What about the kids who has mental illnesses? Don’t fret, this is where I step in. I will be giving 5 tips on how to survive school **school bell rings** Oh no! Let’s not be late on our first period class! Mental Health 101…

Change is scary! Whether you’re going to a new school or starting a new grade. Being taken away from a familiar environment into a new one can be very triggering. To avoid anxiety, panic attacks, and isolation, create a support system. Have your parents/guardian on speed dial! Makes sure you know who and where the guidance counselor is. If you have some friends, make them aware of your situation. Talk to your teachers. With all this aid, you can navigate school a little better.

Second advice is… get some sleep! I know, I know, I know… what is sleep? When you’re a full time college student, working two jobs, looking for internships, finding time to study just to keep your scholarship, is rough! Or, when you’re a high school kid trying to maintain a certain GPA, doing extracurricular activities/volunteer work, and studying for the SATs so you can get into your dream college. Like… who has time for sleep when you’re juggling so much? Trust and believe adding sleep to your schedule will bring less stress and help you focus on the things you need to get done. As much as I love Britney Spears, I doubt you want to have her 2007 melt down.

Coping skills! First try to figure out how do you cope with things. If something negative happen what do you do? Do you isolate yourself? Do you stay in bed a lot? Do you binge watch or play video games for days? If so, I hate to break it to you buddy… that’s not good. Learn and practice healthier skills. Talk to a friend, journal (or do any type of writing), workout or go for a walk, do something creative (arts and craft/DIYs), help people out, and etc. You can play video games and binge watch shows, BUT don’t extend it for a long period of time. When you do these things, you are creating better habits for yourself that can help you through your adult years.

HAVE A PLAN! HAVE A PLAN! HAVE A PLAN! You will need a plan; especially when having mental illnesses. Everybody has different illnesses/personality disorders, so everybody reacts differently. The person who knows best about how you are, is you. Think of times when you had a break down, suicidal attempts, and triggers. Have a plan for every occasion, so if it occurs again you know who to reach out and what to do. Not only a plan for worse case scenarios, but create a routine. If you have meds to take, what time(s) are you going to take them? When are you going to see your counselor or therapist? Create a self-care schedule and stick with it. Before you know it, it will be a natural routine.

Learn that it’s okay to make mistakes and not having the answer to everything. There is more pressure on younger people now a days than before. There seems to so much expectations and that there is no room for imperfection. The world looks like mistakes aren’t allowed and you better figure it out now or your future is a dead end. Again, I get it. I thought to myself if I didn’t get into college my future is over. I thought if I don’t figure out my major (when I was undecided), I won’t be a successful adult. I know you have all these racing thoughts going through your head, but I’m telling you, when you get to be my age or older, and you look back at it, you would wonder why you stressed so much in the first place. You realize your mistakes is how you will learn. Your mistakes is part of your growth. Your mistakes are necessary in order for you to become the person you want to be. So cut the “no room for error” crap. MAKE ROOM FOR ERROR!!! Trust me, your life won’t be over; as long you stay persistent.

**school bell rings** Well, our time is up. I hope these advice have helped. If you have any additional questions, please comment below or CONTACT ME. Otherwise, like, share, and follow me on my social media platforms. Remember, you can conquer the school year. Just take it one day at a time. Class dismiss! Xoxo

OH! By the way, the following video is back to school supplies that can help with keeping a good mental health during the school. Okay, now class is dismiss!