The new school year has begun, and students who have experienced high stress for that reason are not alone.  New routines, environments, teachers, and classmates can cause anxiety for students in many ways, and this can affect how they function at school and at home.  Their families can also be directly impacted, but fortunately, there are ways to address this and ensure that minds go to school and come back home healthy and refreshed. 

Ed Lacheta is the Clinical Director of Shelby County Community Services’ mental health division.  He says many fine elements of the start of a new school year can trigger stress in students. 

So what can families do to mitigate stress and its consequences?  There are many ways to respond, and Lacheta encourages families to keep an open mind while finding what works for them. 

Another component families can work into their routines is mindfulness.  This can include deep breathing, journaling, and doing grounding exercises. 

More information on Shelby County Community Services is on their Facebook page. 

Ed Lacheta appeared as a guest on the WTIM Shelbyville Morning Show.