Middle Georgia teachers, mental health experts share tips for back-to-school anxiety

Misha Blaise, a clinical mental health counselor with Piedmont Macon Medical, says anxiety can manifest physically in both children and adults.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – As students across Middle Georgia gear up for a new school year, many are feeling the usual mix of excitement and nerves—especially those starting school for the first time, changing schools, or entering a new grade.

Renatta Wilson, a pre-K teacher at Northwoods Academy, said those first-day jitters don’t just affect the kids.

“We see a lot of apprehension. Is it safe to leave my child there? What are they going to do? It’s kind of the unknown. Not only for the student, but also for the parent,” Wilson said.

Misha Blaise, a clinical mental health counselor with Piedmont Macon Medical, says anxiety can manifest physically in both children and adults.

“Increased heart rate, sweating, shaking, some nausea, some might be different for some individuals,” Blaise said.

She says it’s important to recognize that anxiety is a normal response to any kind of transition—even a positive one like starting school.

“Basically, anytime you’re going through any transition in life whether it’s new to you or very unfamiliar, you’re going to experience some anxiety,” she said.

Scotisha Wilson, a special education inclusion teacher at Northwoods Academy, says students should know that their school community is there to support them from day one.

“We will be with them every step of the way throughout the day. And not just throughout the day, but throughout the year. We are for them,” she said.

For parents who may also feel anxious, Renatta Wilson encourages trust in the educators.

“We’re going to take care of your child. We’re going to communicate with you. We have a lot of tools that we can do that with throughout the day,” she said.

Blaise recommends students take deep breaths to calm themselves and seek professional support if anxiety becomes overwhelming.

“So if it gets to that point one thing I would recommend is probably reaching out to a professional, to a clinical therapist you can find,” she said.

For more information about mental health resources at Piedmont Macon Medical, contact the Behavioral Health Department at 478-741-1355.