According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 32% of adolescents have some type of anxiety disorder—almost a third of high school students! Anxiety is considered a mental health disorder when it is excessive and out of proportion to the situation and interferes with daily activities. The two most common anxiety disorders, per the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
GAD is exemplified by excessive worry about everyday life, making it hard to concentrate and finish tasks. SAD causes extreme fear about social interaction such as saying something stupid and/or feeling humiliated. SAD causes adolescents to avoid class discussions, conversations, and social interactions, resulting in isolation and academic problems.
Ellison et al. (2020) provide the following tips for teachers to assist students with anxiety disorders in work-based or classroom learning situations:
- Praise of small accomplishments and modifying expectations can help. If a student is avoiding situations, it may not be that they are uninterested, but rather afraid of making a mistake or of being judged.
- Be specific with students beforehand about events (where it will be, who will be there, and what might happen) so they will feel prepared. Scripting, roleplaying, previewing, arriving early to an event are tools for preparation.
- Reframe negative thoughts. Help a student to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with positive, realistic ones.
- Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation can be of aid in releasing the tension from anxiety.
- Peer support when entering new environments can be very helpful. (p. 30)
Students need to be aware of their triggers as well as how to accommodate barriers caused by the anxiety disorder. A potential transition activity could be to research possible accommodations on the job or other chosen postsecondary setting. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) lists many possible accommodations and resources for people with anxiety disorders.
Understanding, education, and planning can help students with anxiety disorders empower themselves to reach their potential and succeed!
Resources
Harvard Graduate School of Education series explores how to help young adults overcome anxiety as they transition out of high school.
Podcast transcript by KQED National Public Radio.
Article featuring the insights of Dr. Lisa Damour.
In this short video, five college students describe their anxiety disorders and how they cope.
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