ANXIETY IN SCHOOL

ANXIETY IN SCHOOL

1. Helpful Websites

   • www.AnxietyCanada.com/Parenting/parent-child
     • kidshelpphone.ca
       • Rockonline.ca

2. Signs and Symptoms

   • *significant drops in school marks *changes to sleeping or eating habits *avoiding friends and family *frequent, angry outbursts *drinking a lot and/or using drugs *not doing things they usually like to do *worrying constantly *frequent mood swings *obsession or lack of concern about weight/appearance *lacking energy or motivation *feeling down *risky behaviour.27
     • **Behaviours such as cutting, scratching or burning oneself, atypical comments made to peers or in school assignments, and appearing emotionally absent are other possible signs.
       • **Disorders may include: anxiety disorders (phobias, social anxiety, separation anxiety/panic), obsessive-compulsive disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD presenting as predominantly inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive); mood disorders (depression, childhood bipolar disorder), and eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating).

3. Strategies:STRATEGIES TO REDUCE STRESS FOR ALL STUDENTS • Create a learning environment where mistakes are viewed as a natural part of the learning process. • Provide predictable schedules and routines in the classroom. • Provide advance warning of changes in routine. • Provide simple relaxation exercises that involve the whole class. • Encourage students to take small steps towards accomplishing a feared task. (Based on information from: CYMHIN-MAD, 2011; Hincks-Dellcrest-ABCs, n.d.)