You’re not the only one crying before class

Hey,

Back-to-school season is here.

The cute outfits.
The freshly sharpened pencils.
The “can’t wait to crush this year” posts on social.

But what no one talks about is the under-the-surface anxiety.

The part where your stomach twists when you picture walking into the lunchroom alone.

The part where you wonder if everyone else changed over the summer... and you’re the only one who didn’t.

Or maybe you’ve been crying before school and feel like no one else is struggling like you are.

I see you.

And in this week’s podcast episode, I shared 7 strategies that actually help when anxiety is showing up stronger than excitement.

🎧 Listen here: 7 Strategies to Tackle Back-to-School Anxiety

But I want to highlight one that doesn’t get enough credit:

🎧 Strategy #1: Visualize Things Going Right

Most people will tell you to “be prepared for anything.”
But anxiety hears that and prepares for everything going wrong.

Instead, what if you started your morning by imagining the best-case scenario?

You’re calm.
You laugh in first period.
You answer a question in class, even though you usually don’t.
You make it through lunch without the dread.

This is more than just wishful thinking.
Your brain starts to believe what it repeatedly sees.
And when your brain believes it’s safe, the mental noise starts to quiet.

That’s how you take back control.

You don’t have to wait until you feel 100% ready.
You just need a small moment of courage to take the first step.

Try this one strategy every morning for the next 7 days.
Let it be messy. Let it be imperfect. But do it anyway.

Because the more you show up for yourself, the more your brain learns that it’s safe to be seen.

Keep pushing forward,
Jessica
Mindset Coach for Anxious Teens & Young Adults

P.S. This podcast is still in its early days, which honestly makes it even more special—because it means I can offer more personal feedback, and really get to know what you need.

So if you have thoughts, questions, or something you’re working through… I’d love to hear from you

Just hit reply—I read every message or drop your thoughts here! 💛