Description
Anxiety is categorized by persistent worry or fear regarding lack of control over external threats (events or situations) or internal threats (health or thoughts). These threats can be realistic, such as an upcoming test or game, or unrealistic, such as a comet striking Earth or an alien abduction. Negative thoughts increase when an individual is experiencing anxiety. These thoughts could be expressed through comments as straightforward as “I hate my hair” or as complex as “I’m scared when I go to school.”
Anxiety affects 15% to 20% of students and often begins as early as first grade. If anxiety is untreated, it can result in long-term health complications.
The purpose of this resource is to help parents identify the signs of anxiety and to provide strategies and resources that can help children struggling with anxiety.
Citation
The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk. (2020). What you can do to help your teen with anxiety. Austin, TX: Author.