One of the most common problems facing youth today is anxiety. Early interventions can be made to prevent problems in schooling and prevent the development of other mental health issues. (Drake, 2015) School teachers, counselors, and school nurses need to be prepared to recognize and help youth struggling with anxiety. It’s important to look for ways to help children with anxiety in elementary school before they fall behind in their education and possibly develop more serious mental health problems.
Children with Anxiety may be at a disadvantage both academically and socially. This is because they may not feel well enough to be engaged in school. Anxiety can cause headaches, nausea or other physical issues that may interfere with children’s …show more content…
When English is not their first language, communication with parents and the student may be difficult. Other barriers may be as simple as unwillingness to ask for help from the teacher. Younger children may not know what to say or how to express what they feel. Another barrier to receiving help for childhood anxiety may be that there is no access to mental health services because they just are not available in their community. Or perhaps they never make it to the appointment because it is scheduled so far out that it is difficult to fit it into their school schedules. (Drake, 2015)
Strategies for communication should include teaching parents and children about what help is available and how important it is to seek help so they can get a good outcome. Getting help earlier rather than later is key in successfully helping children overcome anxiety issues and preventing problems in the future. The school nurse can work with the school counselor and the child’s parents to help decide what strategies may work best for …show more content…
Allow them to take a few minutes to plan or prepare for the day at the beginning of class. Teach children relaxation techniques. Teachers can allow students to work in small groups rather than one big class if that will reduce their anxiety. Teachers can share positive self-talk with all the students in class and help everyone to support each other. It may be helpful for teachers to have a schedule and share with the class the plan for the day or new changes to the schedule, so there are no surprises. Breaking down large assignments into smaller ones may help reduce anxiety. Breaking up the day with stretching exercises and movement will also help reduce stress. (Weston,
Children with Anxiety may be at a disadvantage both academically and socially. This is because they may not feel well enough to be engaged in school. Anxiety can cause headaches, nausea or other physical issues that may interfere with children’s …show more content…
When English is not their first language, communication with parents and the student may be difficult. Other barriers may be as simple as unwillingness to ask for help from the teacher. Younger children may not know what to say or how to express what they feel. Another barrier to receiving help for childhood anxiety may be that there is no access to mental health services because they just are not available in their community. Or perhaps they never make it to the appointment because it is scheduled so far out that it is difficult to fit it into their school schedules. (Drake, 2015)
Strategies for communication should include teaching parents and children about what help is available and how important it is to seek help so they can get a good outcome. Getting help earlier rather than later is key in successfully helping children overcome anxiety issues and preventing problems in the future. The school nurse can work with the school counselor and the child’s parents to help decide what strategies may work best for …show more content…
Allow them to take a few minutes to plan or prepare for the day at the beginning of class. Teach children relaxation techniques. Teachers can allow students to work in small groups rather than one big class if that will reduce their anxiety. Teachers can share positive self-talk with all the students in class and help everyone to support each other. It may be helpful for teachers to have a schedule and share with the class the plan for the day or new changes to the schedule, so there are no surprises. Breaking down large assignments into smaller ones may help reduce anxiety. Breaking up the day with stretching exercises and movement will also help reduce stress. (Weston,