The new school year is fast approaching, and both students and parents will be getting supplies and preparing mentally.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre Assistant Executive Director, Laura Melle said the school year can be a stressful time under normal circumstances, but inflation and COVID-19 can make it even worse.
"It can be a stressful time of year for kids as well as parents," said Melle. "Definitely around this time people are starting to mentally plan and prepare for what the next couple of weeks will bring in terms of preparing for school supplies and getting back into a routine."
As inflation is causing those supplies to rise in price, some may be worried about an additional cost biting into their finances.
"This time of year can stir up some financial stresses for parents for sure. The school fees, back-to-school supplies, registering for winter sports, and that kind of thing. We definitely do see some need for some extra support sometime during these times," said Melle, "We want people to know that there is support available, even if it's not through Envision."
COVID-19 is also still a concern, though not nearly as much as it was during last year's start of school.
"Sometimes with anxiety, it can stir up some fears, oftentimes it's the fear of the unknown. So right now the COVID restrictions are fairly light, but there's always that fear of the unknown of what could come once school's back in," said Melle, "So sometimes you have to challenge those negative thoughts and work through them, and sometimes it's good to not dot hat alone."
Melle said people who might end up struggling to get back to school have options in the community for support.
"For counseling supports, there's lots of support in the community so if anyone ever needs that support, we can just kind of point them in the right direction. They can just call our office, and we can get them connected."
Find out more about Envision HERE.