14 Sep 2021 
As many students head back into the classrooms this fall, they face situations that looked and felt different before COVID all started. For many students younger and older wearing a mask, wondering about getting sick and worrying about loved ones with COVID could affect their mental and physical health.
Anxiety has become a topic of many as students return to school. Anxiety as outlined on WebMD is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease feeling of an event or unknown, uncertain outcome. Many people suffer from anxiety and many children have been diagnosed to have anxiety. According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention, 4.4 million children between the ages of 3 to 17 have anxiety.
What causes anxiety you ask? Well, there are many factors that may cause anxiety. First it can be the unknown. For students this means: “What will school be like when wearing a mask all day.” Or “Will I make friends easy, since I have been online for so long and not on campus?” These questions can turn into a worry and before long consistent worries. Knowing where the root of anxiety comes from can be tricky, but looking at all areas in your life is the key to helping you navigate how to help control and deal with anxiety. When discovering anxiety, look at your mental state (do you worry and if so, what do you worry about?) How about your physical state: Exercising and eating well also can play a role in your anxiety? Other factors can include, environmental stress or a family history of anxiety. All of these areas play a major role when detecting where anxiety stems from.
So, how do you fix anxiety? And, how do you know if you have it?
First make sure you know what the difference is between a worry, consistent worry or stress. Often worries tend to go away over a period of time, but with anxiety they stick around longer than they should.
Anxiety will look a little different for everyone. Some kids or adults could be dealing with lack of sleep. Others tend to worry so much that they have trouble focusing on a single task. Those that have extreme anxiety could experience an increase in their heart rate and can experience sweaty palms.
There are others that have anxiety attacks, that have to control their breathing and be removed from the environment that is causing the anxiety.
The following are some tips to look for if you think you have Anxiety:
To help students deal with anxiety, I teach them breathing techniques. I show them how to simply put their hand over their stomach area and take 4 to 5 deep breaths very slowly. Another technique that I have shared with my students, is to rub their hands together when they think they are feeling anxious.
Rubbing your hands together can teach the mind into focusing on the heat that is being developed between your palms and put off the feeling of being anxious. Another method that can be used is to talk about anxiety with loved ones. Communication can help people understand their feelings and emotions better.
Journal writing and drawing are other methods that can also help with anxiety in the classroom. Many people feel that writing in a journal about how they are feeling, or drawing any form of picture relaxes them and allows themselves to focus on something other than feeling anxious.
For those that have anxiety or know someone who might be experiencing some form of school anxiety, Total Education Solutions is here to help. Or, visit another post of ours if you’re looking for advice on when to seek counseling for your child.
By: Lisa Pino (Licensed School Counselor)
Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy family time, and celebrate what matters most. From expressing gratitude to creating holiday crafts to enjoying cozy indoor activities, we’ve put together a list here of ideas to make this Thanksgiving fun and meaningful for all ages! Starting New Traditions Taking time to reflect on […]
When planning for emergencies, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with special needs—whether children or adults—may require extra attention and preparation. Emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, or evacuations can be especially challenging for families and caregivers. Having a well-thought-out emergency preparedness plan can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover essential […]
Halloween is a time of excitement for many children, filled with costumes, candy, and fun activities. However, for children on the autism spectrum, Halloween can sometimes be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities and unexpected changes in routine. With some planning and awareness, you can ensure your child has a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free Halloween. Understanding […]
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for parents, especially when it comes to understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. This guide will help you understand what an IEP is, how it is developed, and how you, as a parent, can play a vital role in ensuring your child receives the support they […]
Celebrating NICU Awareness Month September is NICU Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor families and health professionals who are part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or sick newborns are cared for. Many of the babies we see for services had a NICU stay. […]
Balance is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in a child’s physical development. It’s not just about standing on one foot or walking in a straight line; balance is integral to almost every physical activity, from running and jumping to sitting and standing. Developing strong balance skills early on can enhance your child’s […]
Total Education Solutions’ ABA Therapy Program Receives BHCOE Accreditation in California and Michigan, Adding to Existing Ohio Accreditation South Pasadena – July 24, 2024 – Total Education Solutions (TES Therapy), a leading provider of therapeutic and educational services, proudly announces that its Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programs in California and Michigan have received full two-year […]
As the laidback days of summer give way to the structured rhythm of school bells, parents everywhere are gearing up for the excitement and challenges of a new academic year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time parent of a school-aged child, navigating the academic calendar’s complexities can be exciting and daunting. Fear not, […]
Summer heatwaves can be a challenging time for everyone, but they can be particularly distressing for autistic children who often experience heightened sensory sensitivities. Understanding and learning how to manage these sensitivities can significantly impact your child’s comfort and well-being during extreme temperatures. Sensory Overload in the Heat ☀️ For many autistic children, the sensation […]
For many of us, Independence Day is a holiday we look forward to. We take a long weekend filled with parties, cookouts, and, of course, fireworks! The smell of the grill, the sight of large crowds gathered together, and the thrilling lights and sounds of the fireworks shows spectacular finish are just some reasons we […]
Avoiding screen time completely can be very challenging, if not impossible, in the world we live in. In fact, the appropriate amount of screen time for babies, toddlers, and young children is a topic of ongoing research and discussion among many experts. Why Does It Matter? It’s important to note that not all screen time […]
Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, has gained significant popularity among adults in recent years. However, its benefits are not limited to grown-ups. Yoga offers a myriad of advantages for children, regardless of their age. From enhancing physical health to improving emotional well-being, yoga can play a crucial role […]
