ABU DHABI // A fifth of all pupils suffer stress and anxiety about their academic performance and other school struggles when they return to the classroom after the summer break.

Elena Andriotis, clinical psychologist at the Carbone Clinic of Dubai, consulted with schools across the emirate and worked with pupils who showed symptoms of pressure.

“I have noticed that about one in five children experiences stress and anxiety during the school year,” said Ms Andriotis.

“Children as young as 8 experience anxiety related to school work, and many parents have been seeking professional help. Unfortunately, these kids are overwhelmed with homework and the pressure of exams and performing well and can’t find the support they need.”

Teenagers starting high school for the first time can have a particularly difficult time.

“Teenage years are already quite difficult emotionally as children go through bodily changes that can be hard to get used to at first,” she said.

“High school marks an important challenge to get used to for them as they gain more independence in the school environment, which also means more room for anxiety and stress.”

Ms Andriotis warned parents to look for the signs – aggression or changes in appetite, sleep, general mood, concentration and overall well-being – that a teenager needs support.

“I suggest seeking the help of a mental health professional during this period, especially if your teenager has difficulties expressing himself and communicating with you,” she said.

Entering the final year of high school was another trigger for stress and anxiety.

“Knowing that you are entering this transition period soon where you will go off to college, perhaps in a foreign country or do something completely different than the routine you are used to, can be frightening,” she said.

“The best things parents can do for their children is offer their support and guidance.”

Young adults around this age start to become independent, applying to universities and making choices on their own.

“It is a phase filled with decision making, uncertainty, the waiting for a university to respond and the stress of exams, not to mention comprehending what will happen at the end of the school year.

“Children need support and they need us to help them build coping mechanisms to deal with the anxiety and stress that is typical of that particular stage of their lives.”

Dr Hussein Nasser Matlik, a consultant in paediatric neurology at Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Hospital, also warned of the stresses of a new academic year, especially for high school pupils.

“There is a fear about such a big change of life,” said Dr Matlik. “There are worries about high school education.

“Many senior students aged 16, 17, 18 are trying to manage the classroom, get good grades, exams, meet life counsellors and finish the college application.

“He or she will become increasingly obsessed with preparing for college and the expectation upon them. This can cause sleep deprivation, gastrointestinal problems, high blood pressure, among other complaints,” Dr Matlik said.

“I have seen a lot of high school students with problems this.

“They became very irritable. In the more extreme, students can suffer with depression and even display abusive behaviour.”

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