2018 September PASO Magazine

OAK LEAF
NEW SCHOOL YEAR
By Jim Brescia, County Superintendent
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~Leo Tolstoy~
new school year, new job, new living arrangement,
and even a new relationship
can cause stress. For many, the
fall means back to school, a return to routine,
or time to begin a new term. Some view the
fall as a chance to make a fresh start and an
opportunity to make new friends. However,
individuals with challenges such as Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),
learning disabilities and depression may find
transitions difficult.
These transitions can be particularly challenging
for individuals with mental health concerns
because they can struggle with friendships, may
have difficulty relating to teachers, or may experience
feelings of discontent.
If you have a loved one, friend, colleague,
or acquaintance that is dealing with a
mental health issue, there are ways you
can assist with transitions.
Local school officials and North County centers
such as the LINK can identify available services
and support youth and families to connect with
needed services.
For many preschool, elementary, middle, and
high school students transitions to a different
school can signify social and educational development.
Regular events such as puberty, changing
schools, making friends and accepting more
autonomy are considered a rite of passage. Often
the physical environment in which the transition
occurs is larger in size and expectations.
When compared to the smaller, single-teacher
environment of an elementary school, students
at the middle or high school meet multiple
teachers and differing expectations. Transitioning
to the workplace or college can also cause
stress, further challenging those with disabilities.
Young adults with mental health issues can
face difficulties, from getting educational accommodations
to accessing affordable, high-quality
mental health care. The transition to college
or the workplace may also require some planning.
If an individual is overwhelmed by the
process of getting ready for post-secondary
education, there are organizations such as
Transition Year that can help. People may assume
that the major obstacle in adjusting to campus
life or the workplace will be academic. However,
research shows that emotional issues are most
likely to interfere with success during transitions,
even young adult transitions.
There is no “right” routine for back to school
time. Stress reducing methods include:
• Time Buffer - If something takes longer
than planned, extra time reduces anxiety.
• Individual Path - Personal preference in
completing tasks can reduce stress.
• Group Support - Agreement and support
reduces anxiety.
• Task Lists - Breaking tasks into parts may
reduce the stress and simplify the process.
Fall transitions can be difficult for individuals
with stress-related issues, but anticipating
and working to counteract problems in advance
can assist with transitional anxiety. San
Luis Obispo County residents have access to
2-1-1 SLO County, a free program, that is a
one-stop way to obtain timely access to health
and human services and referrals. Together we
make our community stronger.
36 | pasomagazine.com PASO Magazine, September 2018