High school grad season can be as stressful as it is fun
Posted June 7, 2017 6:55 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Break out the prom dress, rent the limo and get ready to party. As the school year comes to a close soon, many grade 12 students are getting ready to graduate which can be stressful.
“There are a whole different kind of pressure on this generation of grads than there ever has been,” explains Dawn Schooler from Jericho Counselling. “Education is huge and getting the right education can determine success or failure for your future.”
The prospect of so few jobs out there also adds to the mental strain. “I think they are stressing a ton at the competitiveness that’s out there.”
Even prom night presents its own unique challenges. There have been several years to mull over the big night, and the anticipation and anxiety only builds as the event nears. “There’s a huge amount of pressure for girls having the right dress, and boys getting the right date and just having all these expectations built up over years.”
Schooler adds one way families can help is by managing expectations. “I want parents and family members to talk to the grads leading up these events. Talk them through what might happen, how they can manage themselves through it and keep lines of communication open.”
She points out fear of the unknown is a major issue for several young people based on what lies ahead, but talking it out can help keep this time of the year a pleasant one for teens.
