Helping your child manage their anxiety
Left untreated, anxiety can make it hard for children of all ages to study and get work done. If you're dealing with an anxious student, here's what you need to know.
According to new research commissioned for Children's Mental Health Week, almost two-thirds (65%) of UK children say they have felt anxious, nervous or stressed because of school. Anxiety is the most common issue (39%), and this is down to the pressure to do well in class (43%) and homework (55%), rising to 62% in Key Stage 5.
The UK Student Behaviour Report has found similar signs of high anxiety among undergraduates with:
Nearly three-quarters (71%) of students say they tend to feel anxious about their classes and schoolwork.39% of university students worry about money.
44% say they have trouble meeting new people and making friends, whilst nearly two-thirds (64%) say they do not get enough sleep.
More than half (54%) of students struggle with practising healthy habits like working out and eating healthily.
The report also found that over a third of students (37%) said they needed more time to study for all their classes. And many say they are dealing with a heavy workload (31%), or unclear guidelines (29%) that make them feel more anxious.
With symptoms such as trouble concentrating, sleeplessness, rising panic and despair, anxiety can be one of the most debilitating challenges students face. As anyone who suffers from it knows, the feeling of anxious unease can cause intense worry, rising panic and fear, sweating, palpitations and panic attacks.
This is why, whatever their age, it's essential to find strategies to help students manage their anxiety. Try not to rush in and try to 'fix' things. Listen and ask your child what they'd like you to do to help. And when they do talk, acknowledge their anxiety and reassure them that everything will be fine with help.
The following can all help manage and alleviate anxiety.
1. Get your child to recognise and accept that they are feeling anxious. Understanding the source of their anxiety and how it manifests itself can help them address it more effectively.
2. Suggest they divide their workload into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can make the overall workload less overwhelming and help them to focus on one thing at a time. Schools and universities can help here by assisting a student in lowering their workload.
3. Help them develop a realistic and more balanced schedule that includes time for studying, relaxation, and social activities. Having a routine can provide a sense of structure and control that alleviates anxiety.
4. Ensure they get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in regular physical activity. Taking care of their body can positively impact their mental well-being.
5. Seek support. Encourage your child to talk to you, friends, family, or classmates about their feelings. Sometimes, expressing concerns can provide relief. If needed, consider seeking support from a counsellor or therapist.
6. Make them take breaks. These are essential for maintaining focus and reducing stress. Schedule short breaks during study sessions and homework to prevent burnout.
7. Help them stay organised. Keep their study space and work organised. Knowing where everything is and what they have to do can help reduce anxiety related to feeling unprepared.
8. Talk to their teachers (with undergraduates, urge them to seek help from their university department heads and mental health teams). See what strategies can be put in place at school to help them.
9. If academic work is pulling them down or they are finding it hard to catch up, consider extra tuition at school or a tutor who can help them catch up and manage their workload.
10. Seek professional help. If your child's anxiety is significantly impacting their daily life and well-being, seek professional help. A mental health professional and GP can provide guidance and support.
Related reading
How to help your kids through their exams