4 Common Missteps Educators Take in Supporting Students with Anxiety, and How to Correct Them
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can affect people of all ages, including students. Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and nausea, as well as behavioral symptoms such as avoidance, social withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating.
Educators play a vital role in supporting students with anxiety. By being aware of the signs and symptoms of anxiety, and by providing appropriate support, educators can help students to manage their anxiety and succeed in school.
However, there are some common missteps that educators can take when supporting students with anxiety. Here are a few of the most common missteps, along with tips on how to correct them:
Misstep 1: Ignoring the signs of anxiety
One of the most common missteps that educators make is ignoring the signs of anxiety. Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, and it is important for educators to be aware of the signs so that they can provide support to students who are struggling. Some of the signs of anxiety that educators should look for include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Social withdrawal
- Trouble sleeping
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and nausea
If you notice any of these signs in a student, it is important to talk to them about how they are feeling. Let them know that you are there to help and that you understand that anxiety is a real and serious condition.
Misstep 2: Labeling students with anxiety
It is important to avoid labeling students with anxiety. Anxiety is a spectrum, and everyone experiences it differently. Labeling a student with anxiety can make them feel stigmatized and can make it more difficult for them to get the help they need.
Instead of labeling students, focus on providing them with support and resources. There are many things that educators can do to help students with anxiety, such as:
- Creating a calm and supportive classroom environment
- Providing students with breaks throughout the day
- Helping students to develop coping mechanisms for anxiety
- Providing students with access to mental health resources
Misstep 3: Expecting students with anxiety to "just get over it"
Anxiety is a real and serious condition, and it is not something that students can just "get over." Educators should avoid making statements such as "You're just being anxious" or "There's nothing to be afraid of." These statements can invalidate students' feelings and make them feel like they are not being taken seriously.
Instead, educators should acknowledge students' anxiety and let them know that it is okay to feel anxious. Educators can also provide students with information about anxiety and how to manage it.
Misstep 4: Not providing students with accommodations
Students with anxiety may need accommodations in order to succeed in school. Not providing students with accommodations can have a number of negative consequences, including:
- Students may feel frustrated and discouraged.
- Students may give up on their schoolwork.
- Students may fall behind in their classes.
- Students may drop out of school.
It is important for educators to understand the impact that not providing students with accommodations can have. By providing students with the accommodations they need, educators can help them succeed in school and reach their full potential.
Some common accommodations that may be helpful for students with anxiety include:
- A quiet place to take tests
- Break times throughout the day
- Permission to leave class if they are feeling overwhelmed
Educators should work with students to identify the accommodations that will be most helpful to them. Read Anxious: How to Advocate for Students with Anxiety; Because What If It Turns Out Right? to understand real stories of teachers supporting students with anxiety and understand the accommodations students may need.
How to Correct Common Missteps
By being aware of the common missteps that educators make when supporting students with anxiety, and by taking steps to correct them, educators can make a real difference in the lives of students who are struggling. By providing support and resources, educators can help students to manage their anxiety and succeed in school.
Here are some additional tips for educators on how to support students with anxiety:
- Create a calm and supportive classroom environment. This means establishing clear rules and expectations, providing positive reinforcement, and being patient and understanding.
- Be aware of the signs of anxiety. Look for changes in behavior, such as difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, social withdrawal, and trouble sleeping.
- Talk to students about their anxiety. Let them know that you are there to help and that you understand that anxiety is a real and serious condition.
- Provide students with coping mechanisms for anxiety. This could include relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, or visualization.
- Encourage students to seek professional help if needed. If a student's anxiety is severe or is interfering with their ability to function in school, encourage them to seek professional help from a mental health professional.
By following these tips, educators can help students with anxiety to succeed in school and in life.
