Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's the first day of school for many students in Western New York, and with the start of classes comes an increased level of stress for many as summer vacation comes to a close.
Dr. Michael Cummings, Associate Medical Director at ECMC joined WBEN on Tuesday morning to talk about what causes those back-to-school jitters for children of all grades.
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Though it can create a feeling of unwanted pressure for students, Dr. Cummings says anxiety is not good or bad, but rather is a normal reaction to stressors.
"There is a lot of anxiety about more difficult classwork, interactions with peers, which is much different than in the past because those interactions occur minute by minute on social media," Dr. Cummings told WBEN regarding some of those stressors.
Another aspect of starting a new year is getting back into a routine after three months away from school. Cummings says getting back into a regular sleep pattern is one schedule adjustment kids need to get used to.
With stress comes an increase in absenteeism. Dr. Cummings says if your child takes a couple "mental health days" that's OK, but too many is not ideal.
"Skipping a day here or there for a quote 'mental health break' is OK and I've done it with my own children, but when that becomes a trend, once a kid stops going to school regularly, it is one of the hardest things to get back on track." Dr. Cummings said.
Dr. Cummings also adds that facing anything that causes anxiety, such as going to school head on is the best way to deal with stress.
"Being there and supportive for them, being there to listen to any stress, and challenges that they're having, not necessarily trying to fix their problems, but being someone that they can come and talk to is super important," said Dr. Cummings.
You can hear Dr. Michael Cummings full comments on dealing with school-related stress in the player below.