Always on Edge

 

Mrs. Natalie Bell

Anxiety is exhibited in a variety of ways as the body’s response to stress. People experience anxiety at different levels, ranging from mild uneasiness, at a level that improves alertness and performance, to a full-blown panic attack. Transient fears and anxieties are a typical part of child and adolescent development. In some respects, it would be unusual to not experience some anxiety, such as, a potentially high-risk situation, or before an exam.

Anxiety becomes a disorder when it interferes with day-to-day functioning and reduces a person’s capacity to engage competently in everyday tasks. In 2022, a survey into the mental health and wellbeing of Australian adolescents found anxiety disorders to be one of the most prevalent forms of mental health problems.

We all worry or feel scared at times, but some teens may worry so much that they avoid participating in activities, being with others, or going places. Anxiety can take different forms, and some teens can show symptoms of a number of types of anxiety which include: social anxiety, generalised anxiety, specific phobia/anxiety, panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Traditionally, it was thought that anxiety was a condition that adolescents grow out of. Recent research by staff at the Centre for Emotional Health at Macquarie University suggests the opposite, that emotional disorders early in life predict a range of mental health problems later on.

How do you know if a young person has an anxiety disorder?

The easiest way to tell is through conversation, as some students are open to discussing their concerns and behaviours. However, this isn’t always the case.

Other tell-tale signs include:

·         Repetitive, negative questioning

·         Missing activities or avoiding tasks

·         Expressions of panic

·         Restlessness

·         Easily fatigued

·         Irritable or agitated

·         Lack of concentration

·         Undergo physical changes (such as weight change, shaking, sweating)

·         Respond emotionally

·         Does not engage with their teacher/parents/peers

·         Frequent need for assistance

·         Experiences stomach aches or headaches

 

What to can I do?

Early intervention is key. Here are a few ways you can help students who are going through some tough times.

·       Offer gentle encouragement of approach – avoidance keeps the anxiety front and centre. Encourage the student to gradually face the situation at hand.

·         Break it down – break big challenges into small steps, with each small step having sufficient exposure to ease their fears.

·         Rewards – rewarding a student who has faced a fear or difficult situation is encouraged.

·         Provide warning, where possible, for changes in routine – camps, excursions, sports events

·         Change their thinking – you can do this with simple questions that help them to think of the situation in a different way. Replace worst-case scenarios with questions like ‘what’s the most likely outcome?’ or ‘What happened last time?’

·         Seek professional help – if the impact of the student’s anxiety is significant you may want to help the student or the family find professional help.

 

Treatment of anxiety

There are various ways to help improve teenage mental health, from supporting them to make lifestyle changes to providing counselling. A specialist, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist, should be involved in treating generalised and other forms of anxiety.

As treatment for mild to moderate anxiety, a teenager might:

·         get involved in sports and regular exercise

·         eat a healthy, well-balanced diet – too much sugar, a high-fat diet and other poor eating   habits can worsen anxiety

·         establish good sleeping patterns

·         reduce time on social media

·         redirect their energy into hobbies and interests

·         have meditation or mindfulness training

 

Digital mental health services (programs or apps delivered online or over the phone) can offer a free or low-cost and easily accessible option for mental health support, information and treatment.

Online resources:

Headspace Work and study online support – free for 15-25 year-olds

Talk to a Counsellor – Beyond Blue 24/7 service

BITE Back – Black Dog Institute’s self-guided online wellbeing and resilience program

Urgent assistance responses

 

Reference List:

Carter, S. Andersen, C., and Abawi, L-A. (2023). In Sync: Inclusive school communities supporting students with anxiety. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16447

Doherty, Dee. (2022). Teenage anxiety and learning in school. https://www.essentialresources.com.au/2022/06/teenage-anxiety-and-learning/

Macquarie University News. (2023). Identifying and managing anxiety in your students. https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-arts/departments-and-schools/macquarie-school-of-education/news-and-events/news/news/identifying-and-managing-anxiety-in-your-students

Monash University. (2022). Anxiety. https://allplaylearn.org.au/secondary/teacher/anxiety/