- Anxiety is the most common mental health issue affecting children and teens, with 1 in 3 experiencing symptoms by age 18. However, 80% do not receive treatment. - Factors contributing to rising anxiety levels include social media use, school stress, pressure from parents, genetics, and overscheduling. Left untreated, anxiety can lead to higher rates of mental illness, suicide risk, sleep and self-esteem issues. - Educators are encouraged to intervene when they observe visible anxiety symptoms, a student asks for help, or exhibits signs of test anxiety or withdrawal. Providing effective tools and resources can help support students struggling with anxiety.

1. APPROACHING ANXIETY:
HOW (AND WHEN!)
EDUCATORS CAN
INTERVENE
ALLISON EDWARDS, LPC
APPROACHING ANXIETY:
HOW (AND WHEN!)
EDUCATORS CAN
INTERVENE

2. ~ Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue in the US
~ 1 in 3 kids wilSTATISTICSofanxiety by age 18
~ Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health issue in the US
~ 1 in 3 kids will have symptoms of anxiety by age 18
~ 80% will not get treatment for anxiety
~ Anxiety jumped 33% from 2010 – 2015

3. A. Social Media
B. School Stress
C. Pressure from Parents
D. Genetics
E. Overscheduling

5. Higher Rates of Mental Illness
Increased Risk of Suicide
Self Esteem Problems
Sleep Deprivation
Higher Risk of Injuries
Increased Likelihood of Cheating
Refusing to Participate

6. ANXIETY IS
CONTAGIOUS

10. TEENS SPEND 9 HOURS A DAY ON SCREENS
THE MORE TIME PEOPLE SPEND ON SOCIAL
MEDIA THE GREATER THE ASSOCIATION WITH
ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AND THE GREATER
LIKELIHOOD OF AN ANXIETY DISORDER.

16. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
TYPES OF ANXIETY

17. GENETICS
15-25% Lifetime Prevalence for Any Adult
8-31% Risk with First Degree Relative
GENETICS

19. This is Where
we Think.

20. This is Where our
Fight or Flight is.

23. Inattention
School Refusal
Disruptive Behavior
Avoid Being Called on
Not Turning in Homework
Avoidance of Group Work
Psychosomatic Complaints
Can’t Deal with Change
Inattention
School Refusal
Disruptive Behavior
Avoid Being Called on
Not Turning in Homework
Avoidance of Group Work
Psychosomatic Complaints
Can’t Deal with Change
Anxiety in the Classroom

28. Talks about it
Wants someone to fix it
Asks repetitive questions

29. Avoids
Doesn’t ask for help
Keeps it all in

30.  When Behavior is Visible – shaky voice,
fidgety, using humor
 When They Ask for Help
 When They Show Signs of Test Anxiety, are
Withdrawn or Avoidant
WHEN TO INTERVENE

31. CAUSES OF TEST ANXIETY
Fear of Failure
Lack of
Preparation
Poor Testing
History

32. PHYSICAL
SYMPTOMS
OF TEST
ANXIETY

33. TOOLS
TOOLS
FOR
EDUCATOR

34. Tools
Effective
Tools
Effective
F
L
O
O
D
E
D

44. FOR MORE INFO:
allisonjedwards.com
Blog: www.allisonjedwards.com/blog
Instagram: allisone_lpc