How to Help Students Cope with Anxiety at School

Today’s world of education is a challenging, demanding environment with high expectations of their students. It is not uncommon for these students to experience anxiety.

Whether it’s academic pressures, social challenges, or personal issues, anxiety can manifest in various ways that affect a student’s overall well-being. As educators and caregivers, it is crucial to be able to recognize the signs of anxiety, and learn to implement strategies to support students effectively.

Let’s talk about some practical tips on how to help students cope with anxiety at school.

1. A Safe and Supportive Environment

Creating a safe and supportive atmosphere is essential for students to feel comfortable expressing their concerns and seeking help when needed. Encourage open communication by building rapport and establishing trust with your students.

Let them know that it is okay for them to talk about their feelings without judgement, and no matter what, you will be there to listen and support.

2. Teach Stress Management Techniques

Equip students with efficient techniques to handle their stress. Teach them deep breathing exercises, mindfulness and grounding practices, or progressive muscle relaxation to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Encourage them to take breaks during the day, especially on weekends, to relax and recharge.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Help students set realistic goals and expectations for themselves. Encourage them to focus more on progress rather than perfection. Remind them that it is okay to make mistakes, and mistakes do not mean failure. Emphasize the importance of effort and not to dwell so much on the outcomes.

By reducing the pressure to perform perfectly, you can help decrease some of the anxiety symptoms that go along with academic success.

4. Provide Academic Support

Offer academic support to students who may be struggling with their coursework. This could include providing extra help during office hours, offering or finding tutoring services, or connecting them with resources, such as study groups or academic workshops.

By addressing academic challenges efficiently, you can help lower stress and instill confidence in students.

5. Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote healthy habits that contribute to students’ overall sense of well-being. Educate them about the importance of regular exercise, balanced nutrition and aiming to eat 3 times a day, and at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

Encourage students to prioritize self-care activities by taking care of their mental and physical health. Let them know that caring for yourself is not selfish, and it is, in fact, needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Engaging with social support networks is also a part of maintaining a healthy, positive mindset. Have your students have social time throughout the day to promote connections with others.

6. Foster a Sense of Belonging

Within the school community, there are many ways students can be involved and feel a sense of belonging.

Encourage the participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and after-school organizations so they may connect with peers with similar interests. Foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance where all students feel value and respect.

7. Educate About Anxiety

Mental health is an important topic of conversation. Sit down and educate your students about anxiety and how it can present itself. Educate them on the signs and symptoms of anxiety, and how it is a common experience that many people can relate to.

Have a lesson on coping skills and how to utilize them effectively. Send memos out to parents and caregivers to continue this support at home and even provide them some education on anxiety as well. Encourage everyone to seek help for anxiety when needed.

8. Seek Professional Support

Work closely with school counselors, psychologists, or social workers to help identify the students who may be struggling with anxiety. Collaborate with these teen therapists to develop individualized support plans to tailor to each student’s needs.

Encourage parents and caregivers to reach out to teen therapists and seek additional support outside of the classroom.