Ilene Davison Consulting

Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by everyone at one time or another.  A student may become anxious about the start of theschool year, an upcoming test, or fitting in with classmates.  Children may also become anxious when they learn about current events, including hurricanes and earthquakes, violence in school, illness and death.  No matter how much parents wish they could shield their children from such news, it is virtually impossible to do so.  They may see it in a newspaper lying on the kitchen counter, overhear it an adult conversation, or learn about it from a classmate on the bus or the playground.

Anxiety from these types of situational stressors are healthy reactions to new or uncomfortable situations and provide children with the opportunity to develop anxiety management skills that they will rely on throughout their lives.  In most cases, anxiety is an appropriate and proportional response.  Some children may talk about their worries and fears to parents, babysitters, or friends.  Others may process it internally and move on.

However, for many children anxiety can begin to dominate their lives.  Their levels of anxiety may become disproportionate to the event and interfere with day-to-day life.  Anxiety, in this context, occurs when (1) a student experiences excessive and uncontrollable worry about future and past events, (2) excessive concern about performing competently, and/or (3) significant self-consciousness (Peter Cowden, Niagra University).  These students are consumed by worry and fear.

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that one in eight children suffers from anxiety disorders. Anxious students are often unable to think efficiently and can often present similarly to those with learning disabilities, impacting their ability to learn and retain information. Students with anxiety issues can overreact, become more rigid, more impulsive, or more intense. They may demonstrate avoidant behavior (frequent trips to the school nurse or the bathroom). Anxiety often negatively impacts students’ academic performance, social interactions, behavior and self esteem.

What makes anxiety even more problematic is the difficulty identifying it and distinguishing it from the many other issues it can resemble. Some anxious children may be very quiet, compliant and eager to please. Others may have difficulty focusing and act out in frustration and fear. Still others may become quiet and withdrawn. Many anxious children are not forthcoming with their fears and worries, causing even more anxiety as they suffer in silence. Anxiety disorders include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anorexia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.

Whatever the source, recognizing anxiety is critical. Many children with anxiety issues and disorders experience higher rates of school absences, academic difficulties and inability to concentrate, leading to a drop in grades and poor school performance. Anxiety can also result in impaired social relationships, isolation, poor self-esteem and low self-confidence.