Blogs Becoming Aware of Anxiety in the Classroom
Bear with me as I give you a very superficial and hypothetical quiz.Which of these kids have anxiety?
- An 18-year-old college student states, “I’m totally freaked out about my philosophy test tomorrow.”
- Asomber looking 4thgrader usually has his hands up in his sleeves and tends to stare at the floor.
- A chatty middle schooleris hanging out with her friends, butoftenleaves the group and runs away.
- A teacher asks in a class discussion, “what do you think, Aaron?” Aaron stares back and looks like he can’t breathe.
- A 3rdgrader has trouble staying in her seat and is constantly kicking the chair in front of her.
All of them do, and each one is demonstrating a kind of symptom.And, it’s possible thatnone of themhavebeen diagnosed withananxiety disorder.
Confusing? Fair enough. The confusion and blurry lines around anxiety makeit challengingto identify or diagnose.
We all have anxiety. Each of us has the capacity to get nervousandto react both physically and emotionally in stressful situations.Our brains are naturally wired to experience the “flight, flight, or freeze”responses that protects us.
Not all of us haveanxiety disorders, which identify as debilitating physical responses, and a pattern and frequency beyond what is expected with certain stressors. Anxiety disorders can beany of the following:
- Separation anxiety
- Social anxiety
- Selective mutism
- Generalized anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Specific phobias
Mental health professionals and teachers will attest that anxiety disorders in students (in tandem with other mental health issues) are becoming more common.1 in 5 children are affected by anxiety.A recent Pew Research study indicated that 70% of students see anxiety and depression as a major issue among their peers. Add 24/7online and media presence, and anxiety disorders become something that requires knowledge and strategies to manage.
Help for you comes in the dual form of a movie and a course. The companyIndieFlix, driven by their social impact mission of “content with a purpose,” has created the award-winning filmAngst: A film about anxiety, truth, and hope.Angsthas been seen by hundreds of communities worldwide. The film validates what so many kids are going through and offers real strategies to treat the disorder. This film is the real deal!
Learners Edge has teamed up withIndieFlixto use several clips and research from the film in a 3 credit, graduate level continuing education course.Course 5102:Anxiety Awareness: Empowering Students with Help and Hopewill allow education professionals to build a foundation of knowledge around anxiety disorders while sharing strategies and accommodation ideas to help students cope with and treat their disorder.
We are so happy to be a part of the solution and hope for students with anxiety. This is one more way educationprofessionalscan positively impact the wellbeing of kids everywhere.
Explore our amazingCourse 5102:
Anxiety Awareness: Empowering Students with Help and Hope!
Learners Edge is passionately committed to providing you with continuing education coursework, materials, and tools that will help you succeed in your classroom and in your career.
Offering more than 100 print-based or online courses for teachers, you can earn the graduate credit you need for salary advancement and meet your professional development needs. Contact us today to get started!
