For even the most determined students, the words “back to school” can cause a frisson of anxiety.

Licensed counselor Nicholette Leanza, who specializes in helping young people deal with stress, offers advice for students and parents on how to cope.

Setting a regular routine, keeping lines of communiction open, and identifying possible signs of struggle are key, Leanza said.

Prioritizing mental health, along with physical health, is also important.

“You can’t have good physical health if you don’t have good mental health,” Leanza said.

Things have changed a lot for kids since Leanza began practicing in 1995, and while she was in school, including the influence of social media.

In previous generations, a harmful rumor going around the school might reach five or six people. Now, on the

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