Having back-to-school anxiety? There are ways to fight the fear

To help readers cope with their anxieties in these stressful times, TOI has launched Talk it Out, a series under which expert counsellors will answer your mental health queries. This week’s advice is from psychologist Kamna Chhibber

- Kamna Chhibber

I’ll soon be in class nine but I’m afraid. My classes and classmates will be new. I am not ready for these sudden changes. I didn’t even feel like meeting my old friends. I don’t know how I will socialise with new people. The thought of meeting new classmates, managing studies and adjusting with the environment haunts me. What should I do?

— Anonymous

A new situation can often feel daunting. The more you look at the complexities, the more difficult it would appear to be. It is important to give yourself a perspective that the experience you are going through is what everyone else would also be going through. This means that you would be able to support each other in making the transition towards this new change. It would be helpful if you were to break it down into parts and look at each piece separately. You’ll realise that while together it seems like a lot, individually each of the pieces can be tackled. The subjects in themselves will not be as hard, neither is talking to people. But considering it all together makes it feel more difficult. Affirm to yourself that you will be able to find steps forward and discuss your experiences with someone you trust so you have the support in place to help you.