Feeling depressed and annoyed about changing the pattern that one has gotten used to during the holidays, especially in the first week of school, is normal. The feeling of anxiety which accompanies the new school year affects everyone including pupils, employees and parents regardless of their age groups, social and educational status.

This was clarified by associate professor in psychology, in King Khalid University, Dr. Bushra Ismail, who also pointed out that this state can be called “The depression of the new school year,” which occurs because of the transformation from enjoying the vacation with travel, sleeping and staying up late to coming back to the normal routine which is to get up early and stay away from entertainment.

She said that parents are affected because of the increased financial burdens of providing their children with school requirements, the chores of picking and dropping off the wife to work and the children to school, which might keep him from reaching his work on time.

She said some people can face these pressures in a positive way and overcome this crisis, while others, especially people with fragile psychological states fall prey to the circle of grief, worry, desperation and sadness. They may also suffer from psychosomatic illnesses such colon disease which is widespread during this time of year.

Bushra Ismail said the most important physical signs that accompany depression during the first week of school are weight loss or appetite gain; this differs according to the individual’s personality, in addition to sleep disorders, indigestion, moodiness, lethargy, headaches or migraines.

She stressed the importance of the role of the state’s establishments in educating people about this issue which is important to every family. “Prevention is better than cure, and here comes the role of the media, and all relevant ministries should organize educational programs and awareness campaigns,” she said.

She pointed out the role of schools and universities in comprehensive education by activating the one-week guidance and orientation program for students, parents and teachers; these should have entertainment activities, seminars and introductions with a simple explanation about the nature of school and university life.

She called for the establishment of a guidance center in each school under the supervision of specialists to offer guidance and treatment services for those who need it.