4 minute read
Transitioning in Education
Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure.
The National Institute of Health conducted a research study in 2020 that found 25-40% of students struggle with academicrelated anxiety. Many academic related anxieties can be rooted to performance, peers, family, and self-esteem. It can be difficult to know how to best assist our children to allow them to best succeed in the academic environment. Below are a few strategies that can be beneficial to help students who’ve been struggling in this area.
Establishing an evening and morning routine, as well as keeping a consistent sleep schedule, can help build healthy habits and consistency in our children’s lives that can reduce stress responses. It is important to create a space within the home designated for schoolwork, with minimal distractions available. Using timers for schoolwork and break times can be helpful to keep students on task at home. It can also be useful to have a check in at the beginning of the week to make sure parent(s) and student are aware of due dates and assignments needed to be completed that week. Some families have found it beneficial to mark these dates on a calendar in a common area easily seen throughout the week, such as kitchen, family room, etc., so tasks won’t be forgotten or overlooked.
Another technique to remember is reflecting on how we encourage and talk to our children, especially when it relates to academic performance and expectations. It can have more of an impact than we may realize. The language we use with our children can have a direct impact on self-esteem, confidence, and negative belief systems that can form based on how we approach these areas. Positive reinforcement has shown to increase the likelihood of a behavior to be repeated in the future. For example, if you have a child who has been struggling with turning assignments in late and makes a change in this behavior by submitting an assignment on time; it is key to acknowledge that positive change to enhance the chances of this continuing. Another technique with language is utilizing compassionate talk towards our children.
It is essential to acknowledge the increase in academic related anxiety post pandemic. Mental Health Professionals are discussing the impacts of isolation and the difficulties shown for students transitioning from virtual learning back to in-person, specifically in overall academic performance, self-confidence, developmentally, and socially. If further assistance is felt needed for your child in this area, it may call for additional resources.
Some of the resources within our community that can help assist our students to best succeed in the academic environment are Psychologists, who can conduct psychological assessments to identify mental health diagnoses, as well as any potential learning disabilities that may be impacting academic success. There are Mental Health Professionals that can help in therapy (counseling services) to provide cognitive and behavioral strategies to help reduce academic related anxiety or mood disturbances. Therapy can also be a helpful place where students can learn how to apply these tools on their own. As well, Psychiatrists, PA’s, APRN’s, and PCPs to all who can provide medication management if needed. There are additional providers that can contribute to academic success, such as occupational therapists, speech therapists, and student resource centers. Working collaboratively on a team aspect between Providers, Teachers, school staff, the student, and family can be seen as the best approach to help with academic related concerns.
Kelsey Bauer-Guay, MSW, LCSW
