Returning back to school after the school holidays can cause severe anxiety and even panic attacks for some tamariki in Aotearoa – this was the reality for 14-year-old Becky.

She reached out to 0800 What’s Up at the end of the school holidays for help with anxiety about going back to school.

She’d struggled with self-harming in the past and she was worried she wouldn’t be able to cope once she went back to school.

Becky’s counsellor talked her through what she did at home, and the specific things she felt were the most helpful. They brainstormed ways of adapting those to the classroom environment. They explored what feelings tended to come up in these situations, and what coping strategies worked for dealing with those feelings.

Becky felt better and knew 0800 What’s Up was there when she needed them and that she could speak to the same counsellor so she didn’t have to explain her story again.

There are thousands of children like Becky who are struggling with anxiety and depression and if it’s left untreated they can develop serious mental health issues.

Barnardos 0800 What’s Up helpline plays a vital role in helping children when issues first arise. It’s the only dedicated phone and chat service for tamariki as young as 5 to 19 in Aotearoa.

If you know any tamariki and rangatahi between the ages of 5 and 19 who need someone to talk to, they can phone or e-chat from 11am to 11pm, 7 days a week on 0800 942 8787 or visit www.whatsup.co.nz.

Learning how to manage anxiety after the school holidays

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