Feeling Back-to-School Jitters? Support and Counselling Tips for Families in Coquitlam
Back-to-school anxiety affects many youth, young adults, and parents in Coquitlam each year. If the stress and nervousness around school feel overwhelming, professional counselling can provide the tools and support needed to manage anxiety and build confidence for a successful school year.
If the back-to-school season brings a mix of excitement and a little knot of worry in your stomach, you’re definitely not alone. Whether you’re a kid about to walk into a new classroom, a young adult stepping into the big world of college, or a parent quietly holding space for all of it — those feelings are real, and they matter.
At our Coquitlam counselling practice, we see so many families facing these exact moments. Anxiety around school isn’t just about tests or homework — it’s about change, identity, connection, and feeling seen. And sometimes, it feels bigger than you expected.
Let’s talk about how this shows up for youth, young adults, and parents — and why asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What’s Really Going on with Back-to-School Anxiety?
It might help to know that anxiety isn’t just some “mental hiccup” or something you can push aside. It’s actually your brain and body trying to protect you — like an alarm going off when something feels uncertain or new.
Think about it this way: when you or your child face a new school year, the brain’s “fear center” (called the amygdala) is on high alert. It’s telling your body to get ready — heart beats faster, palms sweat, thoughts race — all the classic signs you’ve probably felt.
And that’s why anxiety can also show up physically: headaches, stomach aches, trouble sleeping. It’s your body reacting to stress hormones flooding through, even if there’s no immediate danger.
On top of that, anxiety can make it really tough to focus or remember things — which can make schoolwork and social situations feel even harder.
How Counselling Helps Calm the Storm
The great news? Counselling isn’t just about talking through worries — it teaches your brain and body how to dial down that alarm.
For example:
With things like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we work together to spot those scary “what if” thoughts and gently question them. Is that worry really true? What else could be happening?
Simple tools like deep breathing or grounding exercises help your nervous system slow down, bringing you back to the here and now.
Therapy also helps build your personal toolkit for managing stress — things like time management, setting boundaries, or practicing kindness toward yourself.
And maybe most importantly, counselling creates a safe space where you or your child can feel heard, understood, and supported — which is huge when anxiety feels overwhelming.
For Kids & Teens: More Than Just Butterflies in the Stomach
If you’ve ever seen your child wake up with a pit in their stomach before school, or if you’re a teen who dreads the lunchroom or that first day, you know it’s about more than “just nerves.”
It might be:
Wondering if they’ll find a friend who really gets them
Fearing they’ll mess up or not be good enough
Feeling invisible or overwhelmed by everything new
Worrying about fitting in or standing out — in all the wrong ways
Counselling can be a quiet space for kids and teens to voice these fears without judgment. It’s about learning how to face those worries, build confidence, and remember they’re not alone in this.
For Young Adults: The Pressure of “Figuring It All Out”
If you’re between 18 and 25, the back-to-school jitters can look a bit different. Maybe you’re moving out on your own for the first time, balancing a heavier course load, or feeling the pressure to “have it all together” when inside you’re a bit lost.
That sense of comparison — seeing friends who seem to have it easier — can fuel anxiety. And sometimes, the excitement about a fresh start mixes with deep uncertainty about what’s next.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you; it’s about unpacking the pressure, setting your own pace, and carving out space to breathe and grow — even if the path isn’t perfectly clear.
For Parents: The Silent Struggle Behind the Smile
Parents, you are often the quiet heroes during this time. You manage schedules, soothe fears, pack lunches, and still wonder if you’re doing enough.
Maybe you worry about your child feeling anxious but don’t know how to help. Or perhaps your own stress about work, finances, and family makes the back-to-school season feel heavy.
Counselling can offer you a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance to process your own worries, learn to hold space for your child’s feelings without losing yourself, and find ways to support your family — with kindness and patience.
When Back-to-School Anxiety Becomes Too Much
Sometimes, those jitters grow into something harder to manage — sleepless nights, constant worry, or physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. If this sounds familiar, it’s a good sign to reach out for support.
Remember, anxiety isn’t a weakness; it’s a signal that you or your loved ones deserve care and understanding.
A Little Help Makes a Big Difference
At our Coquitlam counselling practice, we’re here for every part of this journey. Whether you’re a young person facing a daunting first day or a parent wanting to support your child without losing yourself — you don’t have to do it alone.
Therapy is a space to explore, grow, and build resilience — to walk into the new school year with a little more calm and a lot more confidence.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out for a free consultation or learn more about how we support youth, young adults, and parents through back-to-school transitions and beyond.