LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Challenges come in all different forms, and the start of a new school year can be one that’s difficult to overcome.
James Barnett, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He says these challenges depend on what level of school you’re about to head into.
For freshmen, it can be difficult moving into a new environment and being away from family, but there are ways to control the stress.
“It’s really important to make sure you are staying connected with your support system,” Barnett said. “When folks are moving to a new area, they may lose that entirely in terms of their geographic, physical location. Making sure they’re creating opportunities to call home, talk to their friends, make new connections here as well and build that into their routine, that’s going to be important.”
For sophomores and juniors, it’s all about focusing on what they want to accomplish in the coming year.
“They may know very well that there’s very big things coming up from them,” Barnett said. “Regardless of whatever it is, really making sure that they’re assessing what their goals are and really thinking about ‘what do I really wanna get out of this’, and that way they can start to mentally prepare.”
Dr. Barnett acknowledges “senioritis” is a real thing, but for those heading into their final year, it’s all about finishing the race they started years ago.
“More times than not, when folks can stay the course and really stay committed to their values and their goals as to why they’re getting that degree, it can really set them up for whatever comes after that,” Barnett said.
Anxiety ahead of a new school year is also common, which is why Dr. Barnett recommends diving head in and facing your fears head on.
“If we can sit in that, the longer we do that, that distress goes down,” Barnett said, “and we have evidence that actually, maybe this isn’t as bad as I thought, maybe I can do it.”
Support is available at both Texas Tech and LCU if any of these challenges become overwhelming.
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