News and Information from Lilydale Heights College

Wellbeing

 

MANAGING ANXIETY AT SCHOOL

It is normal to feel some anxiety about school, especially at the start of the year.  If your young person is experiencing anxiety with school starting again they are not alone, there are many students feeling the same and there are lots of strategies you can use to support them. 

 

Anxiety turns on our body’s stress response (also called fight or flight) which prepares us to react quickly and protect ourselves when faced with danger. However, many people feel anxious in situations that are stressful to them but aren't dangerous. For example, when things are new at the start of the year, when taking tests, or speaking in class.

 

If you notice anxiety is holding your young person back, it may be time to support them in learning some strategies to cope. Instead of avoiding things that create anxiety, it’s better to face them. You might be surprised by what they can do! 

 

Here are five things that can help you through anxious moments:

  1. Start with a ‘growth’ mindset. Rather than “this is who I am, I can’t speak in class,” try thinking “with practice I can become more confident.” With effort and practice our brains can learn new ways of thinking and this includes reducing anxiety. 

  2. Notice how anxiety affects your body. When you’re anxious, do you feel "butterflies" in your stomach? Sweaty palms? Shaky hands? A faster heartbeat? Tight muscles?  These feelings are part of your body’s stress response. They can be uncomfortable, but they aren't harmful. You can cope! Next time you feel them, try to notice them without getting upset or trying to stop them. 

  3. Breathe. When you feel anxious, take a few slow breaths. Breathe in slowly. Be sure to breathe out all the way. You can use your fingers to count four or five breaths, in and out. Breathing slowly helps reduce the body’s stress response. 

  4. Face the situation — don’t wait for anxiety to go away. You might think that you’ll put off speaking in class or talking to that new person until you no longer feel anxious about it. But it doesn’t work that way. It’s facing the anxiety that helps you lower it.

Learning to cope with anxiety takes time, patience and practice. Start with one small step.  If your anxiety feels extreme or hard to cope with, or if it is stopping your young person participate in everyday life it might be time to get some help.  You can talk with your local doctor, Headspace (9735 7900) or Lilydale Heights College’s Wellbeing Team. 

For more information check out:

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anxiety-tips.html

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/anxiety/

 

HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERVICES/CONTACTS - 

KNOX, MAROONDAH, YARRA RANGES