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Student Services » Worry (Anxiety)

Worry (Anxiety)

A student experiencing worry or an anxious feeling may...
 
  • worry about things everyday, even if there is little or no reason to worry about them
  • be unable to control their constant worries
  • be aware that they worry more than they "should"
  • be unable to relax
  • struggle to concentrate
  • be easily startled
  • have a difficult time falling or staying asleep--which can lead to fatigue during the day
  • experience other behaviors such as:  fatigue, headaches, muscle tension/aches, trembling, irritability, sweating, nausea, lightheaded, shortness of breath, a need to use the bathroom often, have hot flashes
  • struggle with attendance (tardies/absences)
 
When supporting a student with worry/anxiety, some general strategies involve
 
  • Acknowledge and accept their anxiety--do not explain it away or dismiss it, even if you can not understand it
  • Talking to them privately, one on one
  • Teaching copying skills to the whole class
  • Modeling your own anxiety and strategies
  • Teaching relaxation techniques to the whole class
 
Interventions may include
 
  • Alternate ways of completing assignments (individually, different presentation group/teacher, verbally or written alternatives, drawing, using a computer, creative ways--comic book, raps, songs, etc., record responses and play them rather than present
  • Break things down into smaller segments or parts
  • Deep breathing/mindfulness breathing
  • Journaling with words or pictures
  • Purposeful pairing with partners or with a group
  • Listen to music
  • Allow movement--physical movement (i.e., errands, pacing, heavy lifting) and/or movement to a new location in the classroom
  • Calming Corner
  • Proximity to student
  • Reassurance
  • Reduce assignments
  • Breaks
  • Specific strategy instruction
  • Nonverbal cues
Literature Links
Wemberley Worried by Kevin Henkes
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook
David and the Worry Beast by Anne Marie Guanci
When My Worries Get Too Big by Kari Dunn Buron (5 point scale connection)
What To Do When You Worry Too Much but Dawn Huber, Ph.D
What To Do When You're Scared and Worried by James J. Crist
Stress Can Really Get On Your Nerves by Trevor Romain 
Don't Panic Annika by Juliet Clare Bell
 
 
Teacher Readings
 
The Anxiety Workbook for Kids by Robin Alter
Worried No More:  Help And Hope For Anxious Children by Aureen Pinto Wagner