Start new school year and manage emotions

As the new school year begins—whether you’re entering high school, college, or university, also if a your kids are going to school—there’s a good chance you’re feeling a mix of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, maybe even overwhelm. That’s okay and expected to be. It’s completely natural to experience all these emotions, especially when you’re stepping into a new environment or facing new challenges.

One of the key things is allowing yourself to feel. New challenges can make us anxious, while new opportunities can fill us with excitement. Both emotions are valid, and both deserve space. Giving yourself permission to feel your emotions helps you navigate this transition more smoothly. Suppressing what you’re feeling can make it harder to stay grounded, but when you embrace your emotions, you build resilience and self-awareness. Provide space for self care practices with me time expressing your emotions thorough art, social media, websites, blogs, expressive writing, mood journal and speaking up with your supportive network.

But just as important is prioritizing your tasks. When everything seems to come at you all at once, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities. To manage this, break things down into smaller, more manageable steps. Whether it’s schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social commitments, work responsibilities, support your family or house maintenance dividing your time and tasks can reduce that feeling of overwhelm. Take it one step at a time—you don’t have to tackle everything all at once.

Balance is essential during this time. While it’s important to work hard and stay focused on your academic goals or support a student, it’s equally important to take care of yourself. Set aside time to relax, connect with friends and family, and do things that bring you joy.

And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for support. That is always a professional help accessible to support your journey and, reaching out for assistance when you need it is a sign of strength and courage.

Enjoy your learning journey.

Samara Tomaz Araujo Damasceno

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario – 16111

Professional Member ID at Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapist Association – 11248350