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In a recent report sent to us by our college counsellor, Kimberley Greene, it came to our attention that anxiety is one of the main reasons that students seek assistance at the College. We are extremely proud of the students for seeking support and believe that self-advocacy is an important skill which will serve them well as they transition into adulthood. Moreover, we also acknowledge that sometimes as individuals who support adolescents, it can be challenging to navigate this unknown territory on the home front.

Stress and anxiety are feelings of nervousness or worry that is often triggered by an event or situation. While a certain level of stress can be beneficial, as it helps children to prepare for certain situations, for some students this can manifest into anxiety and begin to interfere with daily life and can result in negative consequences.

Symptoms of anxiety may include restlessness, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, stomach aches, headaches, and more. As parents, it's essential to pay attention to changes in your child's behaviour or mood, as these may be signs of anxiety.

So, what can you do to help your child manage anxiety? 

Here are some tips:

1. Avoid dismissing their feelings: it’s important for children to feel heard and validated when they express their worries. Dismissing their concerns may cause more anxiety in the long run.
2. Encourage open communication: creating a safe and comfortable space where your child can share what’s going on in their life can help them feel less anxious. 
3. Help them develop coping strategies: simple strategies such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, or physical activity can help children manage anxiety when it arises.
4. Seek professional help if needed: if anxiety is interfering with your child’s daily life or causing them significant distress, it may be time to seek guidance from a mental health professional. 

Remember it’s normal for children to experience stress from time to time. As adults, we can help young people to develop coping skills and provide support when needed to help them manage stress. If their symptoms become more serious and you’re worried your child may be experiencing anxiety, seeking professional help can assist your child to learn how to manage their anxiety and feel more confident in navigating life’s challenges.

A great opportunity to further deepen your understanding of the differences between stress and anxiety and learn coping strategies that your student can use is the upcoming counsellor run parent/carer engagement session. This session will run on Wednesday 26 of April from 5:45pm-7:00pm and will be on the topic of stress and anxiety. You can register your attendance HERE. We can’t wait to see you there!