Overcoming Anxiety: Empowering Students to Thrive in the Classroom

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of children and adolescents, with anxiety disorders on the rise. As schools grapple with the lingering effects of the pandemic, experts are shedding light on the challenges faced by anxious students and the critical role parents and educators can play in supporting their success.

Unlocking the Potential of Anxious Students: A Holistic Approach

Navigating the Anxiety Epidemic in Schools

The pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of anxiety disorders among young people, making everyday activities like attending school and socializing increasingly difficult and stressful. In Massachusetts, the upward trend in anxiety-related disorders has led to a rise in chronic absenteeism and school refusal, leaving parents, families, and caregivers searching for solutions.Alyssa Farley, a Boston University research assistant professor of psychological and brain sciences, explains that the mechanisms underlying anxiety, such as intolerance of uncertainty, changes, and distress, have all increased during the pandemic and have yet to return to pre-COVID levels. This raises concerns about whether children have truly recovered from the experiences of those challenging years.

Bridging the Gap: Accessing Resources for Anxious Students

Farley, a clinician and supervisor at BU's Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders (CARD) Child & Adolescent program, emphasizes the difficulty in accessing resources for anxious students. The clinic treats children ages 3 to 17 for various clinical anxiety disorders, including separation anxiety, phobias, and selective mutism, where a child refuses to speak in certain settings, such as school, but communicates comfortably in other environments.However, the demand for these services often exceeds the available resources, with long waiting lists to see a healthcare provider. Farley wishes there was better understanding of anxiety both at home and in schools, as it can be overlooked until a child starts missing school.

Empowering Parents and Educators: Strategies for Supporting Anxious Students

Farley acknowledges that the recommendations for supporting anxious children can often feel counterintuitive to parents. Instead of accommodating avoidance or enabling children to escape anxiety-provoking situations, the approach is to gradually work with them to face their fears.This gradual exposure and desensitization can be challenging, but it is crucial for helping anxious students develop coping mechanisms and build resilience. Farley emphasizes the importance of "praising instances of bravery" and encouraging small steps forward, rather than reinforcing avoidance behaviors.Collaboration between parents, educators, and mental health professionals is essential in creating a supportive environment for anxious students. By fostering open communication, developing personalized strategies, and providing access to appropriate resources, schools and families can work together to empower these students and help them thrive in the classroom.

Cultivating Resilience: The Role of Mindfulness and Self-Care

In addition to targeted interventions, Farley highlights the importance of promoting overall well-being and resilience in anxious students. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation, can help students develop self-regulation skills and manage their anxiety more effectively.Encouraging self-care routines, such as regular sleep, healthy eating, and physical activity, can also contribute to a student's overall mental and emotional well-being. By addressing the holistic needs of anxious students, parents and educators can create a supportive environment that fosters growth, confidence, and academic success.

Fostering a Compassionate School Culture: Addressing Stigma and Promoting Understanding

Farley emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how anxiety is perceived and addressed within the school system. Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and promoting a deeper understanding of anxiety among educators, administrators, and peers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for anxious students.By educating the school community, providing training for teachers, and fostering empathy and understanding, schools can create a culture that celebrates diversity, embraces individual differences, and empowers anxious students to thrive. This holistic approach, combined with targeted interventions and access to resources, can make a significant difference in the lives of anxious students and their families.