On high school campuses, no month brings the height of excitement and anticipation quite like May. The air is filled with the energy of students eagerly counting down the days until summer, yet there’s also a sense of stress as finals approach and last-minute assignments pile up. The halls are buzzing with end-of-year chatter, as groups of friends make plans for prom, graduation, and summer break. The campus is a blend of celebration, nostalgia, and restlessness.
Amidst all the mixed emotions, however, students might be facing various challenges, including social anxiety, relationship stress, the pressure to meet academic expectations, and the risk of substance use, especially with the influx of parties and social gatherings that often come in May. Here’s a deeper look at how these challenges impact students in May and what we can do to manage them.
Social Anxiety and Pressure
For students dealing with social anxiety, May can feel like a never-ending cycle of pressure and self-doubt. Prom, year-end parties, graduation ceremonies, and other social events are meant to be exciting, but they can also amplify feelings of anxiety. The pressure to look a certain way, fit in, or even just attend these events can be overwhelming for those who already struggle with social interactions.
The constant comparison to peers on social media can make things worse. Prom photos, perfect group shots, and seemingly flawless lives online can trigger feelings of not measuring up. For those with social anxiety, the idea of being in the spotlight or surrounded by large groups can seem like an insurmountable challenge.
How to Manage:
Take small steps:
If attending big events feels daunting, it’s okay to skip one or two, or attend with a smaller group of friends who make you feel comfortable.
Set realistic expectations:
Remember, no one’s life is as perfect as it seems on social media. Focus on your personal progress, and don’t compare your journey to someone else’s.
Seek support:
Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. If social anxiety is affecting your daily life, it might help to talk to a school counselor or therapist for additional coping strategies.
Body Image Issues
The end of the school year is often filled with moments where students are very conscious of their physical appearance, especially when it comes to prom and yearbook photos. With the pressure to look “perfect” for these events, body image issues can come into sharp focus. Social media, too, often portrays unrealistic beauty standards, making students feel like they don’t fit in or are not attractive enough. This can be particularly difficult for students who are already struggling with body image issues, whether that means feeling self-conscious about weight, skin, or other aspects of their physical appearance.
For some students, the pressure to look a certain way can lead to harmful behaviors, such as dieting, excessive exercise, or other unhealthy ways of coping with body image concerns. The stress to conform to these expectations can take a significant toll on mental health.
How to Manage:
Shift the focus to health, not appearance:
Instead of focusing on your appearance, focus on feeling good and being healthy. Make choices that are good for your body and mind, rather than focusing solely on how you look.
Challenge negative thoughts:
Remind yourself that everyone has insecurities, and social media often showcases filtered, edited versions of reality. Try to see your body as something that carries you through life, not just as a reflection of external beauty standards.
Talk to someone:
If body image concerns are affecting your mental health, talking to a counselor or trusted adult can help you build a healthier relationship with yourself and your body.
Substance Use
The risk of substance use in May is higher for students due to a combination of social and academic pressures. For seniors, May marks the culmination of their high school experience, making it an especially emotional and high-stress time. With graduation around the corner, there’s often a sense of “one last celebration” before they move on to the next chapter of their lives. Prom, year-end parties, and graduation celebrations provide opportunities for social gatherings where alcohol or drugs might be present. Seniors, who are often of legal drinking age in some areas, may feel more social pressure to engage in substance use as a way to celebrate or fit in with their peers. For some, the looming uncertainty of the future and the anxiety about the transition to adulthood may lead them to seek temporary relief through substance use.
For younger students, May is also filled with its own pressures, but the risk factors for substance use are often different. They may feel the weight of finals, end-of-year projects, and the pressure to perform academically. They might use substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, or they may attend parties where substance use is common, wanting to fit in with older students, particularly seniors.
How to Manage:
Manage time wisely
As the school year winds down, it’s easy to get distracted by the excitement of summer and year-end events. However, finals, projects, and assignments are still on the horizon. Start early and break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Planning ahead will reduce last-minute stress and help you feel more in control as you approach the end of the year.
Focus on mental health
The end of the school year can bring a lot of pressure to perform well academically and socially. During this time, it’s especially important to prioritize your mental health. Take breaks when you need them, engage in activities that help you relax, and make time to connect with friends and family. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
Avoid the pressure to “Go Out with a Bang”
There’s often societal pressure to make the end of your high school experience unforgettable by attending every party or engaging in risky behaviors, but these “last hurrahs” are not the only way to mark the end of this phase of your life. Making memories doesn’t have to mean overindulging in substances or going against your values. It’s important to stay true to yourself, especially in moments where peer pressure might be at its peak.
Celebrate your wins
It’s easy to get caught up in the rush to finish everything, but remember to take time for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Did you ace that test? Finished a big project? Take a moment to acknowledge your hard work. Giving yourself credit is a great way to stay positive and motivated.
Relationship Stress
Whether it’s friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics, May can bring a lot of relationship stress. With graduation looming, there’s often a sense of change in the air. Seniors might feel conflicted about leaving behind close friends, while others might be navigating the stress of romantic relationships during a time of transition. Friendships can also feel strained as everyone’s schedules get busier, and the pressure of maintaining those relationships can sometimes feel like a heavy burden.
How to Manage:
Communicate openly:
If you’re feeling stressed about a relationship, talk openly with the person involved. Honest communication can help you both understand each other’s needs and expectations.
Set boundaries:
It’s okay to take a step back from relationships that are negatively affecting your mental health. Prioritize your well-being and make sure your relationships are supportive.
Seek outside support:
If relationship stress is overwhelming, talking to a counselor or trusted adult can offer a fresh perspective and help you work through challenges.
May is a month full of excitement, stress, celebration, and transition. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but taking care of yourself during this busy time is essential. You’ve made it this far, and by managing your time wisely and prioritizing self-care, you’ll not only make it to the end of the year but finish stronger than ever.
