Anxiety is the most common mental health condition affecting Americans, and it’s becoming more common in our youth. According to the latest data from the National Institute of Mental Health, close to 1 in 3 teenagers (32%) have experienced an anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety most often emerges during adolescence, and a growing number of factors can increase teens’ risk.

Today, many teens report that academic pressure, societal issues, events in the news, and discontent with their physical appearance have contributed to their mental health problems. Some admit that their anxieties inhibit their success and happiness.

If your son, daughter, or student is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is incredibly important to intervene. Many students cannot verbalize their anxiety or need for help. However, when left unaddressed, anxiety can hinder students’ ability to do well in school and maintain a good quality of life.

So, how can you help students with anxiety in school? Read on for more information about school anxiety in teenagers, as well as specific ways to help anxious high school students.

How to Identify Anxious Students and Teens

It can be difficult to spot the signs of anxiety in high school students, as teenagers are undergoing so many other changes in their lives. Teenagers can be inherently moody and often prioritize their social lives above their academic commitments. However, there are some concerning and tell-tale anxiety symptoms you can watch for. These include a mix of behavioral, emotional, and physical signs. 

Behavioral Signs of Anxiety in High School Students:

• Skipping class or dodging activities they used to enjoy
• Procrastination or neglecting assignments, due to feeling anxious
• Isolating from friends or avoiding social events
• Restlessness or difficulty sitting still in class
• Fidgeting or other repetitive behaviors (such as biting nails or tapping feet)
• Lack of participation in class, and apprehension when called upon
• Drops in academic performance
• Frequent absences or complaints about not wanting to go to school

Emotional Signs of Anxiety in Students:

• Irritability or mood swings, often triggered by academic or social pressures
• Excessive worry about doing well in school or planning for the future
• Difficulty concentrating or staying focused on school assignments
• Frequent self-doubt or negative self-talk
• Constantly feeling overwhelmed, even by smaller tasks

Physical Signs of Anxiety in Students:

• Feeling sick (e.g. stomachaches or headaches) without a clear explanation
• Sleep disturbances, often due to racing thoughts
• Feelings of fatigue and tiredness
• Sweating, trembling, or dizziness when faced with stressful situations
• Rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing, especially in anxiety-inducing scenarios

When to Be Concerned About Anxiety in Students

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, and this is totally normal—especially during high school years. As teenagers face new stressors, like entering high school, making new friends, or taking a big exam, their body may respond with a wave of anxiety. 

However, certain signs can indicate that the anxiety is not temporary, and that additional support is needed. For example, when anxiety becomes persistent—lasting for weeks on end, or recurring frequently—this can be cause for concern. Typically this level of continuity would indicate that anxiety has become the teen’s default response to situations, underlining the possibility of an anxiety disorder.

Furthermore, anxiety becomes concerning when it affects the student’s daily life, well-being, and/or academic performance. If you have noticed a drop in grades, an avoidance of social situations, or a general emotional distress that gets in the way of their happiness, these are signs of an underlying anxiety disorder. If you are a school faculty member, it’s important to raise a red flag to parents if you notice any of the following at school:

• Attendance problems at school (research shows that anxiety is a common cause!)
• Negative impact on academic performance
• Avoidance of social activities and peers
• Frequent visits to the nurses office
• Noticeable and sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Emotional distress 
• Inability to cope with responsibilities and tasks
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Talk or signs of self-harm

How to Help High School Students with Anxiety

One of the best ways to help teens with anxiety is being able to recognize the signs of distress, and extending a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear when they are in need. High school students with anxiety should always be approached with empathy and understanding. Whether you are a parent of a teenager, or a school teacher or faculty member, here are some ways to help students with anxiety:

1. Offer emotional support.

If you are concerned about a student, check-in with them frequently. Let them know you are available to talk, whenever they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Too often, students do not know where to turn for help or are too afraid to ask for it. By being proactive and offering your support, you can make a big difference. At the same time, you can also empower them to ask for help when needed—and teach them problem-solving skills for when they are feeling helpless.

2. Create a safe space where the student feels comfortable. 

Especially if you are working within the school system, be sure to offer a private and confidential space where the student can meet with you. High school students are often worried about how they are perceived, and may not be fully open, honest, or comfortable in a busy environment. Make sure they feel safe before opening up the conversation. Otherwise, it may not be a productive one.

3. Ask open-ended questions and listen.

Establishing an open line of communication is important in getting through to teens. Ask the student open-ended questions such as, “What’s making you feel anxious?” or “How can I help you?” Always be ready to listen to their responses. Pay attention to what they say and acknowledge their feelings. Validate their anxieties and fears. Avoid saying anything that would minimize their experiences (such as, “It’s not a big deal”). By showing you are there for the student, and that you accept and understand them, they are more likely to be themselves and share what’s bothering them. And when that happens, that’s when you can truly help them through their anxiety.

4. Teach them coping techniques to handle stress.

Stress is second nature for many of us, and this often begins during the early high school years. As teenagers begin to navigate academic pressures, busy schedules, social circles, and their changing bodies—as well as build their own identities—they can become overburdened by stress and pressure. For those who do not know how to cope, this can lead to persistent anxiety. Students with anxiety can benefit from learning positive coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, including:

• Meditation and mindfulness
• Exercise
• Journaling
• Creative outlets, like music or art
• Limiting screen time and stepping outside
• Engaging in an activity they enjoy
• Talking with a friend or family member
• Using to-do lists or planners to get organized

5. Teach them tactics to manage and break down their workload.

Oftentimes, anxiety in students stems from a fear or pressure to perform well. Also known as performance anxiety, students can get overwhelmed in anticipation of a big performance, game, test, presentation, or project. Similarly, students often get anxious about a general desire to do well in school (or sports) and put immense pressure on themselves to succeed. And, to that end, many students will commit to more classes or extracurriculars than they can truly handle. Overscheduling, pressure, and performance anxiety are all common triggers of an anxious teen.

In fact, according to a Pew Research survey, academic pressure topped teenagers’ list of stressors, with over 60% revealing they face a lot of pressure to get good grades.

So, one of the best things you can do is to help them manage their academic and extracurricular obligations. This might be by helping them find an organizational system—like a planner or project tracker—or by implementing strategies like time-blocking to help with procrastination. Additionally, you may suggest students break down bigger tasks into smaller ones. Sometimes, completing small, achievable goals can feel more manageable than approaching large projects and tasks.

6. Work with them to reduce academic stress.

Whether you work within the school or are a parent at home, it’s important to advocate for your student. If a student is feeling overwhelmed by their schedule or academic obligations, it is okay to reach out to their teachers or administrators for advice. Some teachers and counselors will work with you to reduce the courseload, provide breaks, or adjust expectations in the classroom, to help reduce the student’s anxiety.

Then, with the student, you can help them find ways to reduce the pressure they are feeling at school. For example, this may mean helping them balance schoolwork and self-care. Encourage the student to prioritize their own well-being. Help them realize that perfection isn’t necessary, and that making mistakes is okay (and normal!) when you are learning. 

7. Encourage self-care and healthy routines.

Reducing stress and taking care of oneself goes beyond the classroom. Talk to the teen about the importance of healthy routines at home, too. This means maintaining time for relaxation and self-care, along with time for schoolwork and other obligations. This might also mean working in physical activity to their schedules, and encouraging them to get on a good sleep schedule to manage stress.

8. Encourage them to face their fears.

While it’s natural for an anxious student to avoid stressful situations, gently encourage them to face their fears in manageable steps. They can gradually build resilience by tackling small challenges (in bite-sized chunks, as suggested above) and also celebrating successes, no matter how small. Avoiding their anxious triggers can prolong the symptoms of anxiety, so helping them conquer them over time is important.

9. Help them build a support network.

One of the most influential factors in overcoming anxiety is a great support system. Be the backbone of that support system if you can. Collaborate with other teachers, counselors, and family members to ensure the student has multiple mentors, allies, and places to turn for support. Again, always encourage the teenager to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or adult if they are feeling overwhelmed. 

10. Help them find professional support and resources.

When anxiety gets in the way of daily living, severely impacts a teen’s quality of life, and/or persists for weeks or months, it is likely that an underlying anxiety disorder exists. In these cases, it is important to find professional counseling or anxiety treatment for the student.

School counselors, therapists, mental health providers, and pediatricians can all be great resources for high school students with anxiety. These professionals can help to assess the situation and provide resources or treatment plans to help the student manage their anxiety more effectively. Early intervention can prevent the anxiety from escalating further, and prevent the development of other issues or mental health disorders down the line.

If you do not know where to turn, you may contact Turnbridge for support and guidance. Turnbridge is a recognized mental health treatment provider for teenagers and young adults. We offer a variety of programs catered to the needs of young people, including academic services so that no teenager has to put their education on hold. Call us at 877-581-1793 to learn more.