Going to school when feeling down

I’ve never enjoyed school that much. I have my favourite subjects that I look forward to, but as a whole, I’m not really the number one fan of attending. It’s a legal requirement, and I still have three years before I reach the age in which I can legally drop out. I will admit that I’ve faked illness before because I’ve dreaded the idea of going in (I don’t recommend doing that at all, you really actually should stay in school) and it’s even worse when my mental health isn’t in a good place.

I’m about to enter my fifth year at senior school, and I’ve genuinely surprised myself by staying in for four full years. When I first began dealing with mental health problems, I could hardly do it. But as time passed, I’ve found coping mechanisms and built up strength. I didn’t think I could do it, but I can. So, here’s a list of ways to help you deal with school when you’re feeling down.

1. Baby Steps

There was a quote from a TV show that I watched a while back, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. The show as a whole is a comedy, but one quote really stood out. ‘Do you think you can make it through the next ten seconds? It’ll be over very soon, and then you can start on the next ten seconds.’
It made me think - Rather than taking on the day as a whole, you just have to do it in small steps. Focus on getting through that lesson, or that period, and before you know it, you’ll be onto the next one. And the next, and before you realise it, you’ll be packing up your stuff to go home.

2) Rewards

This is probably the most simple. It can apply to other stuff like revising/studying or doing chores (which going to school can seem like sometimes). For example, I would tell myself that if I could get through that day, I could watch an episode (or a season, TV streaming is addictive) of my favourite show. You don’t just have to use shows - It could be anything, from a piece of cake to going somewhere nice that weekend. It’s just nice knowing something good will come out of going to this supposedly bad place.

3) Soldier Through
If you choose not to think about the problem too much, which I relate to, then this method could help you. Rather than thinking oh no, I have to go to school, just do it. Just get on the bus, or in the car, and do it. Don’t think about it, and when you get home, you can be proud of yourself.

4) Picture the Future
This can work in two ways - the near future, or the far off future. For the earlier mentioned, you can imagine yourself walking through the front door, having got through another day, and being proud of yourself. Maybe then you’ll go to school and get through it, just to say that you were able to do it. For the latter mentioned, think way, way further into the future. Whether it be opening your GCSE results and getting what you wanted, or getting the qualifications for your dream job, You have to go through school or an education to do that - It’s like the light at the end of a long, dreary tunnel of homework and textbooks and perhaps being in a classroom with people you don’t want to be with. It might seem far off, it’ll be worth it.

I really hope this helped, and I hope everyone has a good day back (or had, if you’ve already started school) and that your school year is a good one.