Worrying about school is common and there are many different reasons why you might feel you don’t want to go. You could be worried about making friends and fitting in, or you might be having problems with a particular teacher. Sometimes problems at home can make it hard to settle at school.
The reasons are not always obvious – you just know you feel uncomfortable and unhappy about school.
Identifying what is making you feel uneasy about school can be an important step in starting to feel better. Once you know what the problem is, you can start to make changes to make the situation better.
By young people, for young people
"There was a time a few years ago where I was constantly overthinking everything, what I’d said or done, what people thought of me. I was convinced there were people constantly judging me.
I realised that I had been putting too much pressure on myself and worrying about things I couldn’t control. Then I started trying new things with people I didn’t know, joining new clubs. It was scary at first but as I learnt new things, I got more confident. I cared less about people’s opinions of me. I was able to sleep again and talked to my friends more often.
I still overthink, but I know that I can recover from it now and I will never let it get as bad as it was."
Erin, Age 14
(Some names changed to protect people's identities)
You can talk to your parents or carers, or a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.
If you live in Norfolk:
If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you live in Waveney:
You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
Student Space is run by Student Minds, the student mental health charity. They offer university students information and advice, help to find what support is available at your university and support services for students.
Childline - if you're under 19, you can call 0800 1111 for free support.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support for anyone aged 10-18, seven days a week until 10pm.
Young Minds is a charity offering information about young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Not Fine In School is a charity supporting young people dealing with school anxiety and school refusal.
Breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help you let go of stress.
This video highlights five key ways to build resilience and helps you to think positively.
Information, advice and activities to help if you are dealing with anxiety about school
Information, advice and activities to help if you are dealing with anxiety, low mood or unhelpful thoughts about going back to school.
It can be helpful to think about the reasons why you don't want to go to school, so that you can start to tackle the problem.
might notice that you have physical symptoms, like feeling sick, or having headaches or stomach ache.
