What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, like being scared or worried. It’s a normal part of life and a natural reaction when we feel stressed. Anxiety can affect how we think, feel, and even how our bodies react.

When we feel anxious, our body goes into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. This means we’re getting ready to either face the problem, run away from it, or freeze in place. It’s a way our bodies protect us when we think there’s danger.

It’s important to know that feeling anxious doesn’t always mean you have a mental health problem. In fact, it’s completely normal to feel anxious in certain situations, like before an exam or when trying something new.

Anxiety in Children and Young People

As you grow up, it’s common to feel some anxiety. It helps you deal with things that seem risky or uncertain and teaches you how to react in different situations.

But sometimes, anxiety can become a problem. This happens when:

• It feels constant and overwhelming
• It shows up when there’s no real danger, or it seems like a much bigger problem than it is
• It starts getting in the way of your everyday life, stopping you from doing what you want to do.

Anxiety at School or College

School and college can be stressful for some young people. You might worry about making friends, fitting in, or doing well in your subjects. There might also be things outside of school, like family problems or health issues, that cause anxiety.

Common Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety can show up in different ways, and people may act differently when they feel anxious. Some common signs include:

• Avoiding people or places at school or college
• Having trouble focusing
• Withdrawing from social activities
• Seeming fidgety, tired, or distracted
• Not finishing homework or tasks
• Constantly needing reassurance
• Worrying a lot about small things (like forgetting your school supplies)
• Having headaches, stomach aches, or feeling sick
• Avoiding hard situations, like tests or presentations
• Frequently missing school for no clear reason.

It’s important to remember that just because someone shows these signs doesn’t always mean they’re dealing with anxiety. If you’re concerned about yourself or a friend, it’s a good idea to talk to a teacher, parent, or carer about what’s going on.

How Can You Get Support at School or College?

Most young people who experience anxiety don’t need specialist help. There are lots of ways schools and colleges can support you.

The best thing to remember is that anxiety is normal. It’s okay to feel anxious sometimes, and there are people who can help. Schools are places where you can get support and learn how to manage your feelings.

Here’s what teachers can do:

• Be there to listen: Teachers can let students know they are available to talk and share information about any support services the school offers.
• Listen to understand: If you talk to a teacher about your anxiety, they should listen with an open mind. They won’t tell you to “just relax” or assume they know exactly how you feel.
• Teach about anxiety: Schools can help students learn more about anxiety, how to cope with it, and when to ask for help.
• Provide structure: Teachers can make the school day more predictable by using timetables or schedules so you know what to expect.
• Create an inclusive environment: Schools should make sure classrooms are places where everyone feels safe and included, using visual aids or different communication tools.
• Work with you individually: If anxiety is a bigger problem, teachers can work with you, your family, and other staff to create a plan that helps you manage it.