Starting a new school or job:Why transitions can be tricky
A new year can mean a new school or even a new workplace!
Going back to school, or starting a new job can be a challenging time for young people. Transitions involve the unknown and often require significant new learning and change. We have all experienced the emotional mix of fear, anxiety, happiness and anticipation that comes with our first day at a new school or our first day as an employee. These transitions can become sources of stress as they require us to break free from our known safe worlds. On a more positive note, these transitions present us with opportunities to create new friendships and relationships, helping us to expand our social networks.
Strong social connections are a critical part of good overall health and wellbeing. Positive and effective relationships can help to ease young people through transitions, which is why it is so important to find ways to maintain and strengthen existing relationships, while also branching out to create new connections.
Headspace identify the following common concerns that young people may have.
making friends in a new setting
worries about how sickness and other events will impact on school or work
figuring out course structures or new workplace environments
juggling commitments, such as work, family, friends and study
meeting different expectations and obligations (e.g. meeting deadlines)
meeting to new living arrangements (e.g. moving out of home)
wondering if you have made the right decisions
managing finances and financial pressures.
What can you do to help?
It’s a good idea to be proactive and plan ahead, as this gives young people a sense of control and ownership. Get to know more about the new school or workplace and what kind of support services, groups and activities they have. It is also important for us to understand ourselves and our bodies well, to know when we are feeling stressed and respond to these feelings early on. This is sometimes referred to as self-care. While it sounds easy, it can be spectacularly difficult, because it requires us to commit time and energy to it on a regular basis, even when we are feeling overwhelmed and busy.
Practical actions to take now
Find out as much as you can about the new school or workplace before you start and make a plan to get involved. Set yourself some realistic goals, including small, clear steps that you will take to achieve them.
Read about stress and make a note of how you experience stress. What signs and symptoms do you experience? When you experience stress, try to figure out what it is that is worrying you specifically. This helps you to problem-solve rather than getting stuck in a thinking circle.
Create a list of self-care activities or actions that you could use to reduce stress and maintain wellbeing. This might be a hobby, listening to music, talking to a good friend, meditating, and many other things.
Getting into a routine can help you to take care of your overall health. Ensure that you get plenty of restful sleep, eat nourishing food and get plenty of exercise.
If things are getting too much, take action
Everyone can become overwhelmed and need more help and support. If you notice big changes in thinking, feelings or behaviour that are getting in the way of life and lasting longer than expected, then this is a sign to reach out to trusted friends, adults or support people for more support. Most workplaces, and all schools, have support staff and services that can be helpful. You will also find many support services available in your community and online.
Here are a few mental health support services that you could try.
Kids helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline 13 11 14
Headspace - find your nearest service or take a look at their online services
Your family doctor is also a good point of contact.
Change can be intimidating, but it also opens doors to new friendships, skills, and confidence. Preparing for change can help you make the most of the experience. If things aren't going smoothly, don't hesitate to seek support. Getting help early can make a big difference in feeling better, faster.