Anxiety is apprehension, fright, worrying, fearing or panic. Worse yet, it can mean all those things to a single child. Experiencing constant unease entails surviving without really living to the fullest.
The problem itself may so deeply be rooted that without proper help, patience and support from parents, teachers, counselors and friends, anxiety will change a young life drastically. This being said, the concern cannot be neglected, rather understood. Here's what teachers need to know about anxiety:
According to Scary Mommy, anxiety can present itself in different ways in boys and girls. Boys' reactions tend to be more behavior-driven, while girls' reactions tend to be more internal. Thus, varied methods based on gender are necessary to dissect and tackle their individual concerns.
Also, kids who are experts on holding it all together at school may express different behavior at home. Children with anxiety may keep it inside during class for the fear of being ridiculed by their peers, or their cynicism if their worries would be understood at all.
Teachers of students with this type of problem must remember to speak softly and act temperately. Raising of voice due to frustration or losing patience if the child cannot verbalize his or her feelings will only make matters worse.
Instead of telling them to calm down, address the cause of the turmoil. Kids with their insides turning can never do so at the moment. Asking the children to try doing such thing will only spark exasperation, shame, frustration and even anger.
Gain the trust of the child. The only way to know their fears and concerns is by developing a bond with them. Once the learner considers the educator as a confidante, knowing the root and triggers will come naturally. Devise a plan to combat panic attacks or when the young ones see it is coming, to signal the teacher right away.
Most importantly, anxiety neither defines the student nor does it make him or her inferior in any way. In fact, youngsters who have thrived through life with such heavy load are considered strong.
Kids Health notes that in most severe cases, anxiety disorders can make going to school incredibly difficult. In order to prevent this from transpiring, parents and teachers need to work together to manage the child's anxiety and extend their hands and hearts so that the student knows the burden is not carried alone.
