As per the CDC report, students show increased anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and ADHD symptoms. Excessive school and homework, lack of social interaction, and academic pressure stand to be some of the major causes.
Anxiety is quite common among students of all age groups ranging from kindergarten to university. It is caused either by environmental factors or due to underlying mental health problems.
Since it is crucial to address the problem in students, recognize the issue and find a solution, here is a guide and some anxiety tips for students.
What are the Types of Anxiety That Students Face?
Usually, anxiety among students is of three types:
1. School Refusal: many students tend to avoid class, and many parents might think they are irresponsible or lazy. But, in many cases, it is a case of anxiety; students tend to feel discomfort in schools and colleges.
2. Social Anxiety: this type of anxiety is common among young and university students. Going out, attending class, meeting friends, and being social can be stressful.
3. Test Related Anxiety: this is common in all student groups. As the exams start nearing, students feel nervous, jittery, and on edge causing more harm than good.
What are the Causes?
Some different causes and triggers can lead to anxiety and nervousness among students of all ages. Some causes of anxiety in students are:
1. Bad experience with teachers
2. Lack of friends
3. Poor understanding of subjects
4. Lack of confidence
5. Bullying
6. Not eating healthy
7. Not sleeping enough
8. Lack of outdoor activities
9. Over scheduling and lack of free time
What are the Signs of Anxiety?
It is vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety among students. Without recognition of symptoms, there is no way you can address the problem. Some of the commons signs of anxiety among students are:
• Social Changes: a student with anxiety can show symptoms like distancing from peer groups, not talking to anybody, and avoiding social activities.
• Behavioral Changes: you can notice some emotional changes in a student with anxiety-like, restlessness, jitter, unfocused, uneasy, etc.
• Physical Changes: at times, extreme anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like excessive sweating, trembling, wrong gut, dizziness, nausea, body ache, etc.
• Poor Performance: deteriorating performance in school tests and activities due to lack of concentration and interest can indicate anxiety and nervousness.
• Less Sleep: sleeping too much, sleeping too less, nightmares, etc., are some sleep-related issues seen in students with anxiety.
• Tantrums: anxiety can trigger tantrums and bad behavior like picking fights, regular outbursts, etc.
• Negative Mindset: having constant negative thoughts and being pessimistic about every situation and opportunity is a sign of anxiety among students.
• Obsessed Behavior: anxiety of failing and doing poorly in studies and school activities can cause perfectionism in a student. It can turn into an obsession if not addressed.
How to Manage It?
In case of anxiety among students, teachers and parents must show genuine interest in helping them. It is crucial to take smaller steps to recognize the causal factors of stress and then try alleviating them. Some anxiety tips for students that teachers and parents should pay attention to are:
• Talk openly: talking about anxiety and other symptoms is crucial. Teachers and parents should speak with the students to help normalize the situation.
• More Movement: the students need to have more physical activities during their school timings. It helps increase blood flow that alleviates negative thinking.
• Journaling: it is a good habit to encourage students to journal for things they are thankful for. Positive thinking does not let negative thoughts surface. Did you know that writing is only one form of journaling? You can use these creative journal ideas for your kids to improve their mental health.
• Create A Safe Space: teachers and parents should create an environment where it is easy for the students to talk and share what is bothering them.
• Breathing Techniques: teachers and parents should encourage the kids to do breathing techniques that boost mindfulness and calm.
• Sleep And Eat Well: Maintaining a good sleep schedule and a balanced diet is crucial for physical and mental wellness.
• Better Settings: in case a student shows extreme signs of anxiety. Then special arrangements should be made for them to help decrease the nervousness.
Good mental health is crucial for good performance in studies and other curricular activities. Therefore, the teachers and parents should watch their child’s behavioral patterns. Recognizing anxiety patterns early on can help identify the causes and provide needed help and support.
