As summer winds down and the back-to-school season approaches, many teens and young adults are navigating a mix of excitement, pressure, and uncertainty. Whether it’s starting high school, entering college, or transitioning into a new academic environment, this season can stir up anxiety, overwhelm, and even burnout before the first class begins.
At Alynne Davis, PLLC, we understand that academic success is deeply intertwined with emotional well-being. Here’s how you can support yourself—or your teen—in preparing for a mentally healthy and empowered school year.
1. Start with Emotional Check-Ins, Not Just Supply Lists
Before diving into planners and pencil cases, pause and check in emotionally. How are you really feeling about the upcoming school year? Nervous? Excited? Dreadful?
Encourage teens and young adults to name their feelings without judgment. When emotions are acknowledged rather than dismissed, it creates a foundation of safety and self-awareness. This is where healing begins.
💡 Creative Tip: Try journaling or creating a vision board that captures both hopes and fears for the year ahead. Expressive arts help externalize big emotions and make them feel more manageable.
2. Redefine Success
In a culture that glorifies hustle and perfection, it’s easy to tie self-worth to grades or productivity. But true success includes mental resilience, emotional regulation, and the ability to ask for help when needed.
Encourage teens and young adults to set goals that include:
- Getting adequate rest
- Staying nourished (yes, that includes snacks and hydration!)
- Taking screen-free breaks
- Checking in with a therapist or support group regularly
✨ Reframe success: “I am doing enough when I honor my body and mind.”
3. Create Calming Rituals
School routines can quickly become rigid and stressful. Combat this with grounding rituals that restore calm and confidence. Morning stretches, mindful breathing, or an after-school creative outlet can work wonders.
🎨 Expressive Arts Idea: Try a 10-minute doodle or movement break after homework. Movement and creativity regulate the nervous system and boost focus.
4. Address Body Image and Eating Concerns Early
Back-to-school often means heightened comparison—especially on social media. If your teen is expressing shame around their body or struggling with eating habits, early support can prevent deeper patterns from forming.
We specialize in helping teens and young adults heal from body image struggles, eating disorders, and disordered eating—compassionately and creatively.
🌿 Gentle Reminder: You don’t have to wait until it feels “bad enough” to seek help.
5. Normalize Therapy as Part of Academic Success
Just like tutoring supports academic goals, therapy supports emotional and mental growth. Whether it’s anxiety, perfectionism, ADHD, or adjusting to life changes, a trauma-informed therapist can offer tools to thrive—not just survive—the school year.
If you’re a parent, consider scheduling a consultation before things feel out of control. If you’re a student, know that asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Ready to Begin the Year Grounded?
If you or your teen are feeling anxious, burned out, or stuck before school even begins—you’re not alone. Our practice offers a safe space to explore emotions, build coping skills, and rediscover strength through expressive arts, nutrition support, and trauma-informed therapy.
📅 Book a free consultation to see if we’re the right fit for your journey this school year.
You deserve a school year where mental health is not an afterthought—it’s the foundation.
Warmly,
Alynne Davis, PLLC
Empowering women and youth to heal, grow, and reclaim their confidence.
