When School Becomes Stressful: Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling

School is meant to be a place of growth—but for many teens, it becomes a source of anxiety, frustration, or even fear. With academic pressure, peer dynamics, and the stress of figuring out who they are, it’s no surprise that some students begin to struggle.

So how can you tell when your teen’s school stress is more than just a rough week?

Here are a few signs to watch for:

• Falling grades or skipping assignments
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Irritability, withdrawal, or anger outbursts
• Avoiding school or frequent physical complaints (like headaches)

These may signal deeper emotional challenges like anxiety, depression, or burnout. Teens often won’t ask for help directly—but they show it in behavior.

Therapy can provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for teens to talk about what’s really going on. At Jamison Social Work, we guide students through school-related stress with tools to manage emotions, build confidence, and improve communication with parents and teachers.

If your teen seems stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed, we’re here to support the whole family.