Do you have a student in your life with anxiety?

It seems that “anxiety” is a word that many people use frequently these days.  It is a problem that can affect school performance. What is anxiety?  What does it look like/feel like? Does it serve any useful purpose?

It is important to know that being nervous about a one-time event, such as an exam, a job interview or a presentation is NORMAL.  But if your child is trying to avoid a situation because they are anxious may mean that they have an anxiety disorder.

Parents are concerned, frustrated, and frightened.  How can they help their student?

First, know that there are professionals in the school that are ready to help.  Each school is equipped with a Social Worker and a Child and Youth Worker.  Your child’s vice-principal will get them involved early.

Secondly, teachers can scaffold activities and academic events to make them less stressful.  For instance, students can present to just their teacher, or just their teacher and a supportive friend.

There is support in the community.  Lutherwood operates Front Door, a one-stop shop for for mental health support for families.  They offer a multi-layered approach to mental health.  Contact them at 519-749-2932

We do not create IEPs for students with mental health issues, but we do support them.

Find out more at the links below:

Test Anxiety:

http://kidshealth.org/teen/school_jobs/school/test_anxiety.html

www.anxietybc.com/test-anxiety.php

http://www.ets.org/Media/test/PRAXIS/pdf/01361anxiety.pdf

Anxiety:

http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_information/anxiety_disorders/pages/anxiety_disorders.aspx

www.teenmentalhealth.org

www.morethanmedication.ca

www.hincksdellcrest.org/ABC/Welcome

 

*Background info from Teaching Kids with Mental Health and Learning Disorders in the Regular Classroom, by Myles Cooley, PhD.  free spirit Publishing, Minneapolis, MN, 2007.