LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Challenges come in all different forms, and the start of a new school year can be one that\u2019s difficult to overcome.<\/p>\n
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\u2019re about to head into.<\/p>\n
For freshmen, it can be difficult moving into a new environment and being away from family, but there are ways to control the stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really important to make sure you are staying connected with your support system,\u201d Barnett said. \u201cWhen folks are moving to a new area, they may lose that entirely in terms of their geographic, physical location. Making sure they\u2019re creating opportunities to call home, talk to their friends, make new connections here as well and build that into their routine, that\u2019s going to be important.\u201d<\/p>\n
For sophomores and juniors, it\u2019s all about focusing on what they want to accomplish in the coming year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey may know very well that there\u2019s very big things coming up from them,\u201d Barnett said. \u201cRegardless of whatever it is, really making sure that they\u2019re assessing what their goals are and really thinking about \u2018what do I really wanna get out of this\u2019, and that way they can start to mentally prepare.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Barnett acknowledges \u201csenioritis\u201d is a real thing, but for those heading into their final year, it\u2019s all about finishing the race they started years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore times than not, when folks can stay the course and really stay committed to their values and their goals as to why they\u2019re getting that degree, it can really set them up for whatever comes after that,\u201d Barnett said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can sit in that, the longer we do that, that distress goes down,\u201d Barnett said, \u201cand we have evidence that actually, maybe this isn\u2019t as bad as I thought, maybe I can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Support is available at both Texas Tech and LCU if any of these challenges become overwhelming.<\/p>\n
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