Does Your Child suffer from School Anxiety?

Does your child dread having to go back to school? Are they anxious, clingy or even scared on days leading up to the first day of school? If so, it’s possible that your child may suffer from school anxiety. While it is completely normal for kids to have apprehension when it comes time to going back-to-school after a long summer off, if these feelings persist and start interfering with normal everyday life and activities then you may want to get some help in managing this type of anxiety.

 

In this blog post we will discuss different signs and symptoms related to school anxiety as well as provide helpful tools for parents who are seeking ways to better manage their children’s worries about returning to the classroom.

What is school anxiety? Is school anxiety a thing?

School anxiety is defined as the fear of going to school or being in school-related activities due to feelings of apprehension or dread. It usually affects children who are facing difficult personal or family issues such as parents going through a divorce, bullying, social pressure from peers, school work overloads, and other emotional stressors.

 

Symptoms of school anxiety include difficulty sleeping prior to school days, stomachaches and headaches when it’s time to go back to school, and avoidance of the setting altogether.

 

While most individuals outgrow their school anxieties over time with help from counselors, teachers, and parents, some students may require more professional treatment in order to cope with their anxiety.

 

Is school anxiety the same as ADHD?

No, school anxiety is not the same as ADHD. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty in sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

 

School Anxiety, on the other hand, is an intense fear of school-based activities or events due to feeling overwhelmed by school work or academic performance pressures. It can also be caused by social issues related to school such as bullying or low self-esteem.

 

While both can affect a person’s ability to succeed in school, they are different conditions that need to be treated differently.

 

Is school anxiety related to childhood depression?

Yes, school anxiety can be related to childhood depression. Studies have shown that school anxiety is linked to higher levels of depression, in addition to increased risk for other mental health issues such as PTSD, panic disorder, social phobia and generalized anxiety disorder.

 

Furthermore, school-related stressors (such as bullying) can increase the likelihood of developing a depressive episode during childhood or adolescence. These findings indicate that school anxiety is closely linked with depression in children and adolescents.

 

Why do children get anxiety about school?

School anxiety is a common problem faced by many school-aged children. It can lead to physical and psychological symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, fear of school, and school avoidance. The causes of school anxiety vary from child to child but there are some common underlying issues that may be at play.

 

Common causes:

1. Negative school experiences
2. Fear of failure
3. Peer pressure and social pressures
4. Pressure from parents or guardians to succeed academically
5. Changes in the school environment, such as a change of school/teacher or being bullied
6. Developmental changes linked with puberty
7. Separation anxiety disorder (SAD)
8. Perfectionism and overly high expectations for performance outcomes
9. Unrecognized learning disabilities or difficulties that make school work more difficult than expected
10. Stressful family situations

 

One cause of school anxiety may be an environment where the child feels overwhelmed or threatened. This could be due to overcrowded classes, an unstructured school setting, or a lack of personal attention from teachers and staff.

 

Additionally, if a child is already struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, they may have difficulty managing their emotions in school.

 

Furthermore, school bullying can also be a major source of school anxiety for children. Bullying can leave children feeling unsafe and unable to focus on their studies due to fear or preoccupation with being targeted again.

 

Other causes of school anxiety are more individualized and can include shyness or perfectionism which can make it difficult for children to interact with their peers or manage the pressure of academic expectations.

 

A lack of self-esteem could also be present due to negative experiences at school and this could lead to further difficulties with concentrating or completing tasks successfully.

 

Lastly, cultural differences between home life and school life could contribute to feelings of insecurity that lead to increased school anxiety for some children.

 

Overall, school anxiety is a complex issue that can have various causes depending on the individual child’s circumstances.

 

Understanding why it occurs is important in order to provide appropriate interventions that address key components such as building resilience and coping skills as well as creating supportive environments within the classroom where students feel safe and secure in order to achieve optimal academic success.

 

What are the common signs of school anxiety in children?

Common signs of school anxiety in children can include feeling very worried or scared before school, having trouble sleeping the night before school, not wanting to go to school, having headaches or stomachaches before school, acting out during class and having difficulty focusing.

 

What are the red flags when a child shows school anxiety?

Red flags when a child shows school anxiety can include signs of child abuse, such as bruises or marks on their body. It can also include not wanting to talk about school or school-related activities and avoiding school altogether.

 

Who gets school anxiety the most?

School anxiety is most commonly experienced by school-aged children and adolescents. It can affect both boys and girls equally, but there are gender differences in the types of school anxiety reported.

 

Girls tend to worry more about academic performance, making mistakes or not doing well enough, while boys may be more concerned with social issues such as fitting in with peers or becoming popular.

 

School anxiety can also be affected by a student’s personality type or learning style, which could make them feel anxious in certain school settings.

 

Additionally, students from marginalized backgrounds (e.g., poverty or minority populations) are at higher risk for school anxiety due to other stressors that may interfere with their ability to learn and thrive academically.

 

At what age does school anxiety start?

School anxiety can start as early as preschool age. It is possible for school anxiety to develop at any point during the school-age years.

 

Early signs of school anxiety may include difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, fear of going to school or new places, and an overall feeling of unease in the classroom.

 

Signs may increase as children get older and their academic expectations become more rigorous. If left unaddressed, school anxiety can have a long-term negative impact on a child’s overall development and well-being.

 

Will my child grow out of school anxiety?

The answer to the question of whether or not a child will grow out of school anxiety is complex and depends on various factors. In general, school anxiety is a normal part of growing up and many children experience it at some point or another during their school years. However, for some children school anxiety can become long-lasting and have an impact on their academic performance as well as overall daily life.

 

The good news is that school anxiety can be managed and treated, so the child can cope with their symptoms. It’s important to take action early on to prevent school anxiety from becoming a long-term issue.

 

Strategies such as talking therapy, relaxation techniques, changes in lifestyle such as diet and exercise, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), and medication might all be beneficial in helping manage school anxiety.

 

It’s also important to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to school anxiety. Examples include learning disabilities, social difficulties, family problems, or traumatic experiences that have happened at school or in the past.

 

Professional support from mental health professionals such as counselors or therapists may help identify these factors so appropriate steps can be taken to address them.

 

With the right approach and support system in place for your child, it’s possible for them to overcome school anxiety over time. They may still experience anxious moments but they will generally develop strategies for managing those feelings more effectively which helps reduce symptoms over time.

 

If your child has been struggling with school anxiety for some time, seek professional help as soon as possible so they can get the best outcome possible in terms of managing their condition both now and in the future.

 

Do I need to change schools of my child has severe anxiety?

It can be difficult to decide whether or not to change schools when your child is experiencing school anxiety. Ultimately, it’s important to take into account the individual needs of your child and weigh up all the available options before making a decision.

 

School anxiety can have an array of causes, such as fear of school work becoming too challenging, fear of potential social interactions with peers or teachers, or even feeling overwhelmed by school life in general.

 

Each situation is unique and should be addressed on a case-by-case basis – there is no single solution that fits all scenarios.

 

It may be beneficial for parents to keep communication open with school staff and discuss options together to figure out what works best for their child’s academic goals and emotional well-being.

 

Some possible strategies for reducing school anxiety might include seeking therapy and counseling services (if necessary), examining school materials beforehand in order to reduce any surprise levels of difficulty during school hours, or speaking openly about any worries the child has with school staff so appropriate measures can be taken ahead of time.

 

Ultimately, if it seems like the school environment is not conducive to helping manage the school anxiety that your child experiences, then changing schools may be a viable option worth considering. However, this should only be done after carefully weighing all other potential solutions first and consulting with school staff and mental health professionals whenever possible.

 

Does my child need medications to deal with school anxiety?

It depends. Medications may be used to help your child cope with school anxiety, but there are other treatments that can help too, such as counseling and talk therapy. It is best to speak with a doctor or mental health professional about the best options for your child.

What should I ask my pediatrician about school anxiety?

 

Can I consult with an Online Child Specialist about my child’s school anxiety?

Telemedicine can be used to talk to a child specialist about school anxiety. It is a way for children and their parents or guardians to speak with an expert in the comfort of their own homes.

 

Telemedicine can help provide answers and advice on how to deal with school-related anxiety, such as how to cope with feeling overwhelmed by school work, how to manage difficult emotions, or even how to build confidence when talking in class.

 

With telemedicine, children and their families can get the support they need without having to leave their homes.

 

Looking for Professional support? We can Help.

The first day of school is a big event in a child’s life, and it’s normal for them to feel some apprehension leading up to it. However, if these feelings persist and start interfering with their everyday lives, then they may be suffering from school anxiety.

 

If you’re concerned that your child may have school anxiety, book an appointment with our resident Pediatrician, Dr. Linda Gordon, MD. She will be able to help you manage this type of anxiety and get your child back on track for the upcoming school year.