School Stress & Anxiety

Transcription

1 School Stress & Anxiety B A C K T O S C H O O L N I G H T A U G U S T 2 7 TH, H o l l y A r r o y o, 7 th G r a d e T e a c h e r M e l i s s a L e i s n e r, 7 th G r a d e T e a c h e r R o b i n T r i p l e t t, 6 th G r a d e T e a c h e r H e i d i P e t e r s o n, P. E. / H e a l t h M a r k V a l e n t i n i, P. E. A n d r a R u n y a n, E L L

2 Definition What is stress? STRESS Stress is the way that you react physically, mentally, and emotionally to various conditions, changes, and demands in your life. High levels of stress can affect your physical and mental well-being and academic performance.

3 Definition What is anxiety? ANXIETY A condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen. Uneasiness and distress about the future and uncertainties

4 What causes stress & anxiety? Changes in life s expectations or demands This could include marriage, divorce, illness, loss, school work, learning difficulties, difficulties with peers, family issues, living situation, etc. Disorganization Feeling unprepared and powerless Time constraints Multiple projects and deadlines

5 SYMPTOMS What does this look like? Anxiety Stress Feeling of fear or dread Perspiration Trembling Muscle tension Rapid heart rate Light headedness Shortness of breath Insomnia Nervous stomach Headaches Nervous stomach Change in appetite Rapid breathing Rapid heart rate Sweaty palms Irritability Fatigue Anger Inability to concentrate

6 HOW TO GO FROM THIS

7 TO FEELING LIKE THIS!

8 STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS DEAL WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY Get help - talk to someone Find someone to trust, discuss the problems, and look for solutions. Remember to breathe Sit quietly and breathe deeply and slowly. It is calming and the extra dose of oxygen increases the brain s thinking ability.

9 Strategies for Students Continued Take control - manage your time instead of letting it manage you Use a to-do list Follow a written plan Set goals and follow through Avoid procrastination - a major cause of stress Make a realistic list of things you need to do each day.

10 Strategies For Students Continued Physical Stress Busters Eat right Exercise regularly Get plenty of rest Take a break Sometimes it is better to get away from the situation for short time.

11 Strategies for Students Continued Work on your attitude & put things in perspective Think positively If you think you will fail, or think you will succeed, you are probably right. -Henry Ford

12 Parent Strategies To Support Your Child s Stress & Anxiety Help keep your child on track with strategies listed above Keep the school informed Make teachers aware of your child s stress/anxiety. Monitor and manage your own stress & anxiety Empathize & encourage by doing the following

13 Empathize and Encourage Show confidence in your child s ability to manage stress and problems Practice active listening Help your child identify and label feelings/thoughts Demonstrate calm, accepting attitude towards child Give calm encouragement Be a cliché: I know you re nervous, but I know you can do it. Engage in problem solving with your child Let your child feel like they have some sort of control

14 BUT.! Resist temptation to pacify or give easy reassurance. Do not problem-solve FOR your child. Do not let the child stay home or get them completely excused from an activity, assignment, etc.

15 Possible School Supports & Accommodations Less-intensive school strategies to help students during short-term times of stress and anxiety: Encouragement - let the student know you believe he/she can accomplish this test/task/etc. Identify a safe adult at school to problem-solve with or help manage strategies. Recognize and reward the student for putting forth effort and handling stresses.

16 Possible School Supports & Accommodations Less-intensive school strategies to help students during short-term times of stress and anxiety (continued): Allow student to have stress ball or fidget item to help them focus in class. Allow student to take a short break as needed. Stressed or anxious students may not always seek help check-in with/seek out the student to clarify understanding of assignments.

17 Possible School Supports & Accommodations More-intensive school strategies to help students during longer-term times of stress and anxiety: School staff to prompt student to use coping strategies prior to school triggers (tests, large assignments, class presentations) Allow for tests to be taken in an alternate, quiet location Work out a plan with the student for a way to take a break (bathroom, drink, office) if becoming anxious in class (ex: pass to put on desk, code word/sign)

18 Possible School Supports & Accommodations More-intensive school strategies to help students during longer-term times of stress and anxiety (continued): Forewarn student of transitions or changes to his/her day Check-in time with the social worker or school psychologist and/or resources provided for outside-of-school support options Modify assignments as needed Give speech in front of fewer students Help break down long-term assignments Frequent check for understanding on larger assignments/projects Decrease amount/length of work

19 Possible School Supports & Accommodations Most-intensive school strategies to help students during long-term times of significant stress and anxiety: Work with the school s Problem-Solving Team (PST) to create a support plan School social work services 504 plan to provide regularly needed accommodations Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to provide special education services More-intensive home-based supports to consider when stress & anxiety is significant and long-term: Consult with pediatrician to consider referral to psychiatrist and/or a need for medical intervention/medication Individual/group/family therapy or counseling services *School staff can provide resources to families, but cannot provide these services at school

20 Resources For more information please visit the following websites or books Your Anxious Child: How Parents and Teachers Can Relieve Anxiety in Children John S. Dacey (Author), Lisa B. Fiore (Author) The Worried Child: Recognizing Anxiety in Children and Helping Them Heal Paperback Paul Foxman The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook EJ Bourne The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook for Kids: Help for Children to Cope with Stress and Transitions. L. Shapiro

21 Questions/Further Contacts: If you have additional questions, feel free to contact: Audrie Corn School Psychologist Lynn Mulvaney School Social Worker Kelly Peterson Speech and Language