Managing teenage anxiety and school refusal

Anxiety in schools is a common problem that affects many children and teenagers, particularly in Hampshire, sometimes resulting in school refusal. Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

• Stomachaches
• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Excessive worry
• School Refusal
• Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and dizziness
• Cognitive symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, and catastrophizing
• Behavioral symptoms such as avoidance of school-related activities, social withdrawal, and irritability

As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child struggling with school anxiety. However, there are things you can do to help. Here are a few tips:

1. Talk to your child about their anxiety. The first step is to open up a dialogue with your child about how they’re feeling. Ask them what they’re worried about and listen without judgment. Let them know that you’re there for them and that you want to help.

2. Reassure your child that their anxiety is normal. Let them know that many kids feel anxious about school sometimes. Explain that anxiety is a feeling, not a weakness. It’s important to normalize anxiety and help your child understand that it’s a normal part of life.

3. Help your child develop coping mechanisms. There are a number of things your child can do to cope with anxiety, such as:

* Deep breathing exercises
* Relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga
* Positive self-talk
* Visualization
* Progressive muscle relaxation
* Exposure to feared situations

You can help your child learn these skills by practicing them together at home.

4. Encourage your child to participate in activities they enjoy. Having fun and relaxing activities can help reduce anxiety. Encourage your child to spend time with friends, do hobbies they enjoy, or exercise. Exercise is a particularly effective way to reduce anxiety, as it releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects.

5. Work with the school. If your child’s anxiety is severe, you may want to work with the school to develop a plan to support them. This could include things like:

* Providing extra help with schoolwork
* Allowing them to take breaks during the day
* Assigning them a buddy to help them with social interactions
* Modifying assignments or tests
* Creating a safe space where they can go to calm down

The school should be willing to work with you to develop a plan that meets your child’s individual needs.

6. Seek professional help if needed. If your child’s anxiety is severe or doesn’t improve with your help, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can teach your child coping skills and help them develop a treatment plan.

It’s important to remember that anxiety is a treatable condition. With your help, your child can learn to manage their anxiety and thrive in school.

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In addition to the above tips, here are some other things you can do to help your anxious teen:

• Help them to identify their triggers. What are the things that typically make your teen anxious? Once you know what their triggers are, you can help them to develop strategies for coping with them.
• Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult. This could be you, a teacher, counselor, or another trusted adult in their life. Talking to someone about their anxiety can help them to feel less alone and more supported.
• Create a supportive home environment. Make sure your teen knows that they are loved and accepted unconditionally. Avoid criticizing them or putting too much pressure on them.
• Help them to develop a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. A healthy lifestyle can help to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

If you are concerned about your teen’s school anxiety, please reach out for more advice and support. There are many resources available to help you and your teen, including:

• Your child’s doctor or pediatrician: They can assess your child’s anxiety and refer you to a therapist or other mental health professional if needed.
• Your child’s school: The school counselor or other mental health professionals at your child’s school can provide support and resources.
• Mental health organizations: There are many mental health organizations that offer support and resources for families with children and teens who have anxiety. Some examples include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).

Remember, you are not alone. There are many people who care about you and your teen and want to help.

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You can call me directly : 07748808670
You can email me : EmmaCrutchley@NLP4Kids.org
You can see me in person at Shanti Rooms, 70 Hiltingbury Road, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire