For many families, the transition from summer to the school year can feel exciting, but it can also bring on stress, sadness, and what’s often called the “back-to-school blues.” Whether you’re a parent juggling new routines, a teacher facing fresh demands, or a student managing social pressures, the change in season can take a toll on mental health.
At American TMS Clinics, we understand how shifts in routine and seasonal changes can trigger depression, anxiety, or burnout. If the back-to-school season feels heavier than expected, you’re not alone.
What are the back-to-school blues?
The back-to-school blues are more than just feeling sad to see summer slip away. For many, these emotions may escalate to involve symptoms of depression which include:
-Increased anxiety about school, work, or changing schedules
-Difficulty adjusting to shorter days and less sunlight (potentially linked to seasonal affective disorder)1
-Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of motivation2
-Fatigue, sleep disruption, or trouble concentrating
If these feelings persist for more than a couple of weeks or are interfering with your personal life or school work, it could be a sign of clinical depression, rather than just a temporary slump.
Many times, depression in adolescents can be missed due to the prevalence of mood instability and reactivity in this age group compared with adults, so it is important to monitor for symptoms.3
Why Fall Can Trigger Depression
There are many reasons why this time of year may worsen symptoms of depression, including:
Seasonal changes: As the amount of sunlight decreases due to shorter winter days, many individuals struggle with seasonal affective disorder.1
Routine stress: Returning to strict schedules, academic expectations, and work deadlines can increase pressure.
Social changes: For students, new classes, teachers, and peer groups can create anxiety. For parents, added responsibilities and not being around their children can bring on mixed feelings.
How to Cope with Back-to-School Stress
Here are a few strategies to support mental health during this transition:
-Restart your family’s school routine: A week or so before school starts, you can begin transitioning to the school routine. Go to bed and wake up at the same time you would for school and organize backpacks and school supplies.4
-Set realistic expectations: Ease into new schedules without overloading your calendar. Be patient with yourself and your family as you adjust to the new normal.
-Stay connected: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about how you’re feeling. Chat with neighbors and organize playdates for after school fun.4
-Have something to look forward to: Try to find an activity that is specific to the fall and winter. That way, it is something to look forward to in this new season.
For many, these strategies provide relief. But if you or a loved one continues to struggle, professional treatment may be the next step.
TMS Therapy for Depression During Back-to-School Season
If you feel like you have tried everything to cope with feelings of depression during this difficult season, consider talking to a provider about other options.
At American TMS Clinics, we specialize in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS therapy), an FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment for depression. TMS works by stimulating areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, especially when traditional treatments like medication or therapy aren’t enough.
TMS has helped countless patients regain motivation, energy, and focus, making it especially beneficial during demanding times like the start of the school year.
When to Seek Help
If you or your child experiences persistent sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in daily activities this back-to-school season, it may be time to seek professional support. Depression is treatable, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
Don’t let the back-to-school blues control your fall. Contact American TMS Clinics in Scottsdale, Arizona today to learn more about how TMS therapy for depression can help you or your loved one feel better and move forward with confidence.
References
1. Melrose S. Seasonal Affective Disorder: An Overview of Assessment and Treatment Approaches. Depress Res Treat. 2015;2015:178564. doi: 10.1155/2015/178564. Epub 2015 Nov 25. PMID: 26688752; PMCID: PMC4673349.
2. Chand SP, Arif H. Depression. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/
3. The Burden of Depression in Adolescents and the Importance of Early Recognition Petito, Annamaria et al.The Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 218, 265 – 267.e1
4. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Back-to-school can be a stressful time: How to help your kids transition. https://www.apa.org/topics/children/school-anxiety
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