With students now back in class, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services is sharing tips on what to watch for and how to help when it comes to anxiety and stress.

"While some children embrace back-to-school excitement, others may need a more calming environment to get them back into the school year routine," said Dr. Connie Coniglio, BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services. "A new school year can be the start of many new beginnings, but if your child finds this time overwhelming, they may be experiencing anxiety or stress."

Anxiety - feeling worried, nervous, fearful - is normal from time to time in adults and children. It can even protect us by alerting us to danger and help keep us from harm. Anxiety is a problem if your child seems to be anxious often when other children of the same age are typically not; it negatively affects their functioning and/or your family life; and if it doesn't get better over time.

Signs to watch for:

  • Attempts to remain at home or with caregiver
  • Refusal to attend school on certain days (field trips)
  • Refusal to eat in public
  • Refusal to use public bathrooms
  • Constant worrying
  • Seeking comfort/reassurance
  • Extreme shyness, avoiding social situations or events
  • Physical complaints with no medical explanation (stomach aches, headaches, difficulty catching breath)
  • Tantrums, crying, screaming

Tips for parents and caregivers:

  • Plan for transitions - getting to school, returning to school after breaks
  • Provide regular routines - morning, school, homework, bedtime
  • Provide clear expectations, limits and consequences
  • Hold realistic expectations that are right for child's age
  • Help your child identify his or her feelings - nervous, intimidated, shy
  • Pay attention to your child's feelings
  • Ask your child if they have ideas or solutions for a particular concern
  • Show yourself identifying your own feelings, problem solving and being brave
  • Remain calm when your child is anxious
  • Praise and reward even their small accomplishments