Anxiety Awareness

Research notes that academic anxiety can negatively impact academic performance and learning processes (Nunziato, 2023).

Anxiety can look different from teenager to teenager, but listed are some common signs that your student may be experiencing (Child Mind Institute, n.d.): 

• experiencing worry regarding aspects of everyday life

• sleep disturbances 

• low motivation to be social

• reduced academic achievement or increased resistance to attend school

• somatic symptoms, such as head or stomach pains

• difficulties with focusing on tasks

• irritability 

When someone feels anxious, they are in a phase called "fight or flight," which means that their body believes they are in survival mode (Northwestern Medicine, 2020). As a result, they may experience physical reactions, such as increased blood pressure and muscle tension (Chu et al., 2024; Northwestern Medicine, 2020). When in this state, it can be very difficult to focus, self-regulate, and may lead to increased irritability and fatigue when someone is experiencing anxiety (Chu et al., 2024).

What can you do as a parent to support your student in managing their anxiety? (Katzenstein, n.d.)

• Validate their feelings and emotions. Make them feel heard and acknowledged. Sit and listen to what they have to say and ask questions where necessary.

• Support your child in engaging in physical activity, getting enough sleep, and eating nutritious food options.

• Support your student little by little in engaging in anxiety-inducing tasks and provide them with praise for doing so.

• Set aside time to check in with your child each day to foster a strong parent-child relationship. These relationships are beneficial for their mental and emotional wellbeing and can serve as a protective factor for their anxiety.

• Connect with your school's school social workers, mental health team (ASPIRE), counselors, school psychologist, and other supports for additional resources!