Hopefully we're past seeing wellbeing as a trend and it forms part of a sustainable future. As adults, we know that we cannot function well on an emotionally and mentally empty tank, or when we are feeling uncertain or anxious, so why do we expect our students to do it?
Anxiety is a common mental health issue that affects millions of people of all ages. However, it is particularly prevalent among school-aged children and adolescents. In fact, studies have shown that as many as 1 in 6 children and adolescents have an anxiety disorder, and this number is likely to increase in the coming years. In a class of 30 young people, this means that at least 5 students will have challenges with their mental health. With this in mind, it's crucial that schools start to take anxiety more seriously, and one way to do that is by offering anxiety management classes.
Anxiety management classes can help students to better understand and cope with their anxiety. Classes can be designed for young people with different types of anxiety, including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The classes include talking about different types of anxiety as well as the causes, such as genetics and environmental factors. In addition, anxiety management classes can teach students about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, such as physical symptoms like sweating and shaking, as well as emotional symptoms like fear and worry. It is important for young people to recognise when they are feeling anxious, how to sit with these feelings, and how to navigate them.
A main benefit of anxiety management classes is that they provide students with practical strategies for coping with their anxiety. These strategies can include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. They can also include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques, such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts, and exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing the student to the things that trigger their anxiety.
In these classes, students have a safe and supportive environment in which to share their feelings and experiences with others. This can be especially beneficial for students who may feel isolated or alone in their struggles with anxiety. By participating in these classes, students can learn that they are not alone in their experiences and that there are others who understand and can support them.
Anxiety management classes can also have a positive impact on a student's academic performance. Without a solid foundation of positive mental health and wellbeing, we cannot expect students to perform well academically. When students are struggling with anxiety, they may have difficulty focusing in class, completing homework, and taking tests. By learning how to manage their anxiety, students can improve their ability to focus and do well in their studies. Furthermore, it could also help them to form healthy habits that could benefit them throughout their lives.
It is important for schools to recognise the importance of anxiety management and providing students with the tools and resources they need to manage their anxiety effectively.
As adults, we know that we cannot function well on an emotionally and mentally empty tank, or when we are feeling uncertain or anxious. Why do we expect our students to do it?
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