Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Anxiety is a normal response to stress, such as relationship changes, public speaking, or major decisions. However, when it becomes persistent and disrupts daily life, it may indicate a mental health disorder. Anxiety and depression often occur together—nearly half of those with depression also have an anxiety disorder.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety can be a regular part of life when faced with stressors such as changes in relationships, presenting in front of a crowd, or making decisions. When anxiety is persistent and interferes with daily functioning, it can be a symptom of a mental health diagnosis.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, including a week focusing on anxiety and depression. This month is a time to raise awareness of mental health disorders and reduce their stigma.
Educational Tips
Communication
- Ask the student close-ended (e.g., yes or no) questions rather than open-ended questions.
- Ask the student opinion questions rather than questions requiring a particular answer.
- Call on the student for answers on topics about which they are knowledgeable or confident.
- Refrain from calling on a student who visibly appears to be experiencing anxiety symptoms.
Tasks and Assignments
- Provide students with an individual study area.
- Allow the student to use headphones, earphones, earplugs, etc., to block out background noise.
- Provide the student extra time to make in-class transitions from one activity to another.
- Use a timer or other auditory device to signal that it’s time to start a different task or make another transition.
- Try to keep classroom routines as predictable as possible without sudden changes. Whenever possible, plan in advance for transitions that will occur.
- Consider modifying the ways class directions/instructions are given:
- Give directions that are concise rather than long and wordy.
- Provide visual aids accompanying verbal directions/instructions (e.g., write them on the board).
- Capture students’ attention before giving directions by telling them they must listen to instructions about what will be given.
Anxiety Impact on Education
Anxiety can significantly impact a person's ability to learn and succeed in an educational setting. The relationship between anxiety and education is complex and can...
Anxiety Studenta and the Classroom
Through classroom accommodations, teachers can help students with anxiety keep their studies on track as they manage their disorder(s). Which accommodations might...
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety can arise from a combination of various factors, and a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental elements often influences it. Here are some...
GAD Behavioral Management
Behavioral management of GAD is often most effective when tailored to the individual's specific needs and when multiple strategies are combined. Working with a mental health...
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Summarized
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of daily life. Unlike normal anxiety,...
Homeschooling a Child with Anxiety
Homeschooling a child with anxiety requires a thoughtful and supportive approach to create a safe and conducive learning environment. Here are some tips to help you navigate...
Homeschooling Students with Anxiety
Homeschooling students with anxiety can be a supportive and effective educational option, as it allows for a more personalized and flexible approach to learning. Anxiety can...
How Excessive Anxiety Affects Student Ability
Excessive anxiety can significantly impact a student’s ability to learn and perform academically. Here’s how it may affect various areas: Concentration and Focus Anxiety...
Successfully Homeschooling with Children with Special Needs
Homeschooling children with learning disabilities, such as ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), autism, or other learning differences, requires a tailored approach that...
Treatment and Management of GAD
Treatment and management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) typically involve a combination of therapies, medications, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to reduce...
What are Sensory Breaks?
Sensory breaks are short, structured breaks that allow individuals, particularly those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) or other sensory challenges, to regulate their...
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, from the very young to the very old. In school, students may get nervous during a fire drill, before a test or...
