SLO County Office of Education: New school year stress
By James J. Brescia Ed.D. · Thu Sep 03 2026
A new school year, job, living arrangement, and even a new relationship can cause stress. Are you preparing for the challenges of change? Fall can symbolize back-to-school, a return to routine, a change of seasons, or a new term. Some view the fall season as a chance to make a fresh start and make new friends. However, individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, or depression may find transitions very difficult. These transitions can be particularly challenging for individuals with mental health concerns because they may struggle with friendships, have difficulty relating to teachers, or experience discontent. If you have a loved one, friend, colleague, or acquaintance who is dealing with a mental health issue, there are ways you can assist with transitions. Local school officials and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as CAPSLO or LINK, can help youth and families access needed services.
Transitions to a different school can signify social and educational development for many preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students. Regular events such as puberty, changing schools, making friends, and accepting more autonomy are considered rites of passage. Often, the physical environments in which the transition occurs are larger and have higher personal expectations. Compared to an elementary school's smaller, single-teacher environment, middle or high school students are exposed to multiple teachers and differing expectations, which may cause stress. Transitioning to a new job, workplace, or college can also cause stress for most people.
Young adults with mental health issues may struggle to access educational accommodations, high-quality mental health care, or affordable treatment options. The transition to college or the workplace may also require planning. Organizations such as the National Transition Technical Assistance Center exist to help individuals who feel overwhelmed by the process of preparing for postsecondary education. However, research shows that emotional issues are most likely to interfere with success during transitions, including those in young adulthood.
There is no “right” routine for transitions. Some stress-reducing methods include:
Time Buffer- If something takes longer than planned, consider extra downtime.
Individual- Considering personal preference in completing tasks can reduce stress.
Group Support- Agreement and support also reduce anxiety.
Task Lists- Breaking tasks into parts may reduce stress and simplify the process.
Mental health should be treated the same as physical health. Individuals with mental health challenges need regular mental health check-ups. Schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist early in the school year and ask questions about proactive and preventive behaviors.
Mental health can be directly affected by the quality of physical health. Summertime often means snacks on the go and slacking off on healthy lifestyle choices. Try to get back on track with the following suggestions:
Ensure enough sleep. Speak with a healthcare provider about sleep disturbances.
Focus on a healthy diet. Foods such as nuts, avocados, and dark chocolate are considered beneficial for ensuring good mental health.
Maintain an active lifestyle. Make exercise fun by participating in sports, doing nightly activities like walking or roller skating, or spending your weekends hiking or biking.
Fall transitions can be difficult for individuals with stress-related issues, but anticipating and working to counteract problems in advance can assist with transitional anxiety. San Luis Obispo County residents can use 2-1-1 SLO County, a free program that provides timely referrals to health and human services. Together, we strengthen our community by practicing patience, flexibility, and kindness. It is an honor to serve as your County Superintendent of Schools.