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In this video, Dr. Caplan explains schizophrenia and what the warning signs are to look for in children.

Child Mind Institute. (2010, December 14). Childhood schizophrenia:What are the first signs? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/6k6Zas8x8rI

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Childhood Schizophrenia: What Are the First Signs?

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This article provides teachers with resources to use within the classroom to aid students with schizophrenia.

Hembree, D. (2020). How to teach schizophrenic students. Retrieved from https://classroom.synonym.com/teach-schizophrenic-students-5626126.html

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How to Teach Schizophrenic Students | Synonym

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Teaching a student with Schizophrenia can be a challenge for teachers. The student with this mental disability falls under the Educable Mentally Handicapped category of the Emotionally or ...

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This video is kid friendly and offers a description of depression and what a student should do in the case they feel depressed.

It's AumSum Time. (2018, October 17). What is depression? [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/uBcajdXH56U

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What is Depression? | #aumsum #kids #science #education #children

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This article gives parents/teachers signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder and when to seek professional help/treatment.

Child Mind Institute. (2020(. Quick facts on bipolar disorder. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/quick-facts-on-bipolar-disorder/

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Overview

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, involves bouts of major depression and periods of mania-euphoria, poor judgment and extreme risk-taking activity-in an often-debilitating cycle. Onset usually occurs in adolescence or early adulthood. There are cases in children, but pediatric bipolar disorder presents differently from the adult form, with irritability and aggression the main symptoms of manic periods, rather than euphoria.

Until the revised DSM-5 came out in 2013, children who were chronically irritable and prone to severe tantrums were often diagnosed as bipolar, even though they did not experience these symptoms in the episodes characteristic of bipolar disorder, and they often did not go on to develop adult bipolar. These children are now diagnosed with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD).

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

Signs of mania:

Drastic personality changes

Excitability

Irritability

Inflated self-confidence

Extremely energetic

Grandiose/delusional thinking

Recklessness

Decreased need for sleep

Increased talkativeness

Racing thoughts

Scattered attention

Psychotic episodes-breaks from reality

Signs of depression:

Depressed or irritable mood

Loss of interest or pleasure in things once enjoyed

Marked weight loss or gain

Decreased or increased need for sleep

Prolonged sadness

Restlessness

Lethargy

Fatigue

Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness

Excessive or inappropriate guilt

School avoidance

Avoids friends

Cloudy or indecisive thinking

Preoccupation with death, plans of suicide, or an actual suicide attempt

Psychotic episodes-breaks from reality

Treatment

Medication is essential to the treatment of bipolar disorder, as is the involvement of the whole family.

Pharmacological:

The first-line medication used to treat bipolar disorder is often a mood stabilizer such as lithium and various anticonvulsants, which are generally effective at treating manic symptoms and lowering the frequency and severity of both manic and depressive episodes. Other drugs may be prescribed to treat symptoms like psychosis (antipsychotics) or trouble sleeping (anti-anxiety drugs).

Many people with bipolar disorder take more than one medication and the drugs can have complex interactions, leading to significant side effects if they are not effectively monitored by an experienced clinician.

Psychotherapeutic

Bipolar is often treated with cognitive behavioral therapy in addition to medications. CBT helps children and adolescents with the disorder understand what triggers their episodes, how their thoughts influence their feelings, and how to control and manage them. Family therapy is often employed to engage parents and other family members in keeping track of symptoms and managing stress levels in the home, which can lead to episodes.

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Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive disorder, involves bouts of major depression and periods of mania-euphoria, poor judgment and extreme risk-taking activity-in an often-debilitating cycle. Onset usually occurs in adolescence or early adulthood. There are cases in children, but pediatric bipolar disorder presents differently from the adult form, with irritability and aggression the main symptoms of manic periods, rather than euphoria.

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This article provides a description of each of the six types of eating disorders, and symptoms of each of them.

Petre, A. (2019). 6 common types of eating disorders (and their symptoms). Retrieved from         https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-eating-disorders

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Although the term "eating" is in the name, eating disorders are about more than food. They're complex mental health conditions that often require the intervention of medical and psychological experts to alter their course.

These disorders are described in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) ( 1).

In the United States alone, an estimated 28 million Americans have or have had an eating disorder at some point in their life ( 2).

This article describes six of the most common types of eating disorders and their symptoms.

Eating disorders are a range of psychological conditions that cause unhealthy eating habits to develop. They might start with an obsession with food, body weight, or body shape ( 3).

In severe cases, eating disorders can cause serious health consequences and may even result in death if left untreated. In fact, eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses, second to opioid overdose ( 4).

People with eating disorders can have a variety of symptoms. Common symptoms include severe restriction of food, food binges, and purging behaviors like vomiting or overexercising.

Although eating disorders can affect people of any gender at any life stage, they're increasingly common in men and gender nonconforming people. These populations often seek treatment at lower rates or may not report their eating disorder symptoms at all ( 5, 6).

Different types of eating disorders have different symptoms, but each condition involves an extreme focus on issues related to food and eating, and some involve an extreme focus on weight.

This preoccupation with food and weight may make it hard to focus on other aspects of life ( 3).

Mental and behavioral signs may include ( 7):

dramatic weight loss

concern about eating in public

preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, or dieting

complaints of constipation, cold intolerance, abdominal pain, lethargy, or excess energy

excuses to avoid mealtime

intense fear of weight gain or being "fat"

dressing in layers to hide weight loss or stay warm

severely limiting and restricting the amount and types of food consumed

refusing to eat certain foods

denying feeling hungry

expressing a need to "burn off" calories

repeatedly weighing oneself

patterns of binge eating and purging

developing rituals around food

excessively exercising

cooking meals for others without eating

missing menstrual periods (in people who would typically menstruate)

Physical signs may include ( 7):

Experts believe that a variety of factors may contribute to eating disorders.

One of these is genetics. People who have a sibling or parent with an eating disorder seem to be at an increased risk of developing one ( 3).

Personality traits are another factor. In particular, neuroticism, perfectionism, and impulsivity are three personality traits often linked to a higher risk of developing an eating disorder, according to a 2015 research review ().

Other potential causes include perceived pressures to be thin, cultural preferences for thinness, and exposure to media promoting these ideals ().

More recently, experts have proposed that differences in brain structure and biology may also play a role in the development of eating disorders. In particular, levels of the brain messaging chemicals serotonin and dopamine may be factors ( 9).

However, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Eating disorders are a group of related conditions involving extreme food and weight issues, but each disorder has unique symptoms and diagnosis criteria. Here are six of the most common eating disorders and their symptoms.

Anorexia nervosa is likely the most well-known eating disorder.

It generally develops during adolescence or young adulthood and tends to affect more women than men ().

People with anorexia generally view themselves as overweight, even if they're dangerously underweight. They tend to constantly monitor their weight, avoid eating certain types of foods, and severely restrict their calorie intake.

Common symptoms of anorexia nervosa include ( 1):

very restricted eating patterns

intense fear of gaining weight or persistent behaviors to avoid gaining weight, despite being underweight

a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight

a heavy influence of body weight or perceived body shape on self-esteem

a distorted body image, including denial of being seriously underweight

However, it's important to note that weight should not be the major focus of diagnosing someone with anorexia.

Using body mass index as a factor in diagnosis is outdated because people who are categorized as "normal" or "overweight" can have the same risks.

In atypical anorexia, for example, a person may meet the criteria for anorexia but not be underweight despite significant weight loss ( 7).

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are also often present. For instance, many people with anorexia are preoccupied with constant thoughts about food, and some may obsessively collect recipes or hoard food.

They may also have difficulty eating in public and exhibit a strong desire to control their environment, limiting their ability to be spontaneous ( 3).

Anorexia is officially categorized into two subtypes - the restricting type and the binge eating and purging type ( 1).

Individuals with the restricting type lose weight solely through dieting, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Individuals with the binge eating and purging type may binge on large amounts of food or eat very little. In both cases, after they eat, they purge using activities such as vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, or exercising excessively.

Anorexia can be very damaging to the body. Over time, individuals living with it may experience thinning of their bones, infertility, and brittle hair and nails.

In severe cases, anorexia can result in heart, brain, or multi-organ failure and death.

Bulimia nervosa is another well-known eating disorder.

Like anorexia, bulimia tends to develop during adolescence and early adulthood and appears to be less common among men than women ().

People with bulimia frequently eat unusually large amounts of food in a specific period of time.

Each binge eating episode usually continues until the person becomes painfully full. During a binge, the person usually feels that they cannot stop eating or control how much they are eating.

Binges can happen with any type of food but most commonly occur with foods the individual would usually avoid.

Individuals with bulimia then attempt to purge to compensate for the calories consumed and to relieve gut discomfort.

Common purging behaviors include forced vomiting, fasting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, and excessive exercise.

Symptoms may appear very similar to those of the binge eating or purging subtypes of anorexia nervosa. However, individuals with bulimia usually maintain a relatively typical weight rather than losing a large amount of weight.

Common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include ( 1):

recurrent episodes of binge eating with a feeling of lack of control

recurrent episodes of inappropriate purging behaviors to prevent weight gain

self-esteem overly influenced by body shape and weight

a fear of gaining weight, despite having a typical weight

Side effects of bulimia may include an inflamed and sore throat, swollen salivary glands, worn tooth enamel, tooth decay, acid reflux, irritation of the gut, severe dehydration, and hormonal disturbances ().

In severe cases, bulimia can also create an imbalance in levels of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. This can cause a stroke or heart attack.

Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent form of eating disorder and one of the most common chronic illnesses among adolescents ().

It typically begins during adolescence and early adulthood, although it can develop later on.

Individuals with this disorder have symptoms similar to those of bulimia or the binge eating subtype of anorexia.

For instance, they typically eat unusually large amounts of food in relatively short periods of time and feel a lack of control during binges.

People with binge eating disorder do not restrict calories or use purging behaviors, such as vomiting or excessive exercise, to compensate for their binges ().

Common symptoms of binge eating disorder include ():

eating large amounts of food rapidly, in secret, and until uncomfortably full, despite not feeling hungry

feeling a lack of control during episodes of binge eating

feelings of distress, such as shame, disgust, or guilt, when thinking about the binge eating behavior

no use of purging behaviors, such as calorie restriction, vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative or diuretic use, to compensate for the binge eating

People with binge eating disorder often consume an excessive amount of food and may not make nutritious food choices. This may increase their risk of medical complications such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes ().

Pica is an eating disorder that involves eating things that are not considered food and that do not provide nutritional value ( 14).

Individuals with pica crave non-food substances such as ice, dirt, soil, chalk, soap, paper, hair, cloth, wool, pebbles, laundry detergent, or cornstarch ().

Pica can occur in adults, children, and adolescents.

It is most frequently seen in individuals with conditions that affect daily functioning, including intellectual disabilities, developmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia ( 14).

Individuals with pica may be at an increased risk of poisoning, infections, gut injuries, and nutritional deficiencies. Depending on the substances ingested, pica may be fatal.

However, for the condition to be considered pica, the eating of non-food substances must not be a typical part of someone's culture or religion. In addition, it must not be considered a socially acceptable practice by a person's peers.

Rumination disorder is another newly recognized eating disorder.

It describes a condition in which a person regurgitates food they have previously chewed and swallowed, re-chews it, and then either re-swallows it or spits it out ( 15).

This rumination typically occurs within the first 30 minutes after a meal ( 16).

This disorder can develop during infancy, childhood, or adulthood. In infants, it tends to develop between 3 and 12 months of age and often disappears on its own. Children and adults with the condition usually require therapy to resolve it.

If not resolved in infants, rumination disorder can result in weight loss and severe malnutrition that can be fatal.

Adults with this disorder may restrict the amount of food they eat, especially in public. This may lead them to lose weight and become underweight ( 16).

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a new name for an old disorder.

The term has replaced the term "feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood," a diagnosis previously reserved for children under age 7 ( 17).

Individuals with this disorder experience disturbed eating due to either a lack of interest in eating or a distaste for certain smells, tastes, colors, textures, or temperatures.

Common symptoms of ARFID include ():

avoidance or restriction of food intake that prevents the person from eating enough calories or nutrients

eating habits that interfere with typical social functions, such as eating with others

weight loss or poor development for age and height

nutrient deficiencies or dependence on supplements or tube feeding

It's important to note that ARFID goes beyond common behaviors such as picky eating in toddlers or lower food intake in older adults.

Moreover, it does not include the avoidance or restriction of foods due to lack of availability or religious or cultural practices.

In addition to the six eating disorders above, other less known or less common eating disorders also exist.

These include ( 18):

Purging disorder. Individuals with purging disorder often use purging behaviors, such as vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercising, to control their weight or shape. However, they do not binge.

Night eating syndrome. Individuals with this syndrome frequently eat excessively at night, often after awakening from sleep.

Other specified feeding or eating disorder (OSFED). While it is not found in the DSM-5, this category includes any other conditions that have symptoms similar to those of an eating disorder but don't fit any of the disorders above.

One disorder that may currently fall under OSFED is orthorexia. Although orthorexia is increasingly mentioned in the media and in scientific studies, the DSM does not yet recognize it as a separate eating disorder ( 19).

Individuals with orthorexia tend to have an obsessive focus on healthy eating to an extent that disrupts their daily lives. They may compulsively check ingredient lists and nutritional labels and obsessively follow "healthy lifestyle" accounts on social media.

Someone with this condition may eliminate entire food groups, fearing that they're unhealthy. This can lead to malnutrition, severe weight loss, difficulty eating outside the home, and emotional distress.

Individuals with orthorexia are rarely focused on losing weight. Instead, their self-worth, identity, or satisfaction is dependent on how well they comply with their self-imposed diet rules ( 19).

If you have an eating disorder, identifying the condition and seeking treatment sooner will improve your chances of recovering. Being aware of the warning signs and symptoms can help you decide whether you need to seek help.

Not everyone will have every sign or symptom at once, but certain behaviors may signal a problem, such as ( 20):

behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control over food are becoming primary concerns

preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fats, grams, and dieting

refusal to eat certain foods

discomfort with eating around others

food rituals (not allowing foods to touch, eating only particular food groups)

skipping meals or eating only small portions

frequent dieting or fad diets

extreme concern with body size, shape, and appearance

frequently checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance

extreme mood swings

If these symptoms resonate with you and you think you may have an eating disorder, it's important to reach out to a medical professional for help.

Making the decision to start eating disorder recovery might feel scary or overwhelming, but seeking help from medical professionals, eating disorder recovery support groups, and your community can make recovery easier.

If you're not sure where to start, you can contact the National Eating Disorders Association helpline for support, resources, and treatment options for yourself or someone you know.

To contact, call: (800) 931-2237

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ET

Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ET

Text: (800) 931-2237

Monday-Thursday 3 p.m.-6 p.m. ET

Friday 1 p.m.-5 p.m. ET

Eating disorder treatment plans are specifically tailored to each person and may include a combination of multiple therapies.

Treatment will usually involve talk therapy, as well as regular health checks with a physician ( 21).

It's important to seek treatment early for eating disorders, as the risk of medical complications and suicide is high ().

Treatment options include:

Individual, group, or family psychotherapy. A type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be recommended to help reduce or eliminate disordered behavior such as binge eating, purging, and restricting. CBT involves learning how to recognize and change distorted or unhelpful thought patterns ().

Medications. A doctor may recommend treatment with medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers to help treat an eating disorder or other conditions that may occur at the same time, such as depression or anxiety ().

Nutritional counseling. This involves working with a dietitian to learn proper nutrition and eating habits and may also involve restoring or managing a person's weight if they have experienced significant weight changes. Studies suggest that combining nutritional therapy with cognitive therapy may significantly improve treatment outcomes (22).

If you think someone in your life has an eating disorder, your best bet is to support and encourage them to seek help from a healthcare professional.

This can be extremely difficult for someone living with an eating disorder, but supporting them in other ways will help them feel cared for and encouraged in their recovery.

Recovering from an eating disorder can take a long time, and this person may have periods of relapsing into old behaviors, especially during times of stress. If you're close to this person, it's important to be there for them, and be patient, throughout their recovery ( 21).

Ways to support someone with an eating disorder include ( 21):

Listening to them. Taking time to listen to their thoughts can help them feel heard, respected, and supported. Even if you don't agree with what they say, it's important that they know you're there for them and that they have someone to confide in.

Including them in activities. You can reach out and invite them to activities and social events or ask if they want to hang out one-on-one. Even if they do not want to be social, it's important to check in and invite them to help them feel valued and less alone.

Trying to build their self-esteem. Make sure they know that they are valued and appreciated, especially for nonphysical reasons. Remind them why you are their friend and why they are valued.

The categories above are meant to provide a better understanding of the most common eating disorders and dispel myths about them.

Eating disorders are mental health conditions that usually require treatment. They can also be damaging to the body if left untreated.

If you have an eating disorder or know someone who might have one, you can seek help from a healthcare professional who specializes in eating disorders.

You can book an appointment with an eating disorder specialist in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.
Read this article in Spanish.

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Learn about 6 common types of eating disorders and their symptoms

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Eating disorders are characterized by unusual or disturbed eating habits. Learn more here.

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This website is the Helpline for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. These can be accessed through a chat service, text, or call. This would be beneficial for any one who is suffering from an eating disorder or seeking help for someone else.

NEDA. (2020). Contact the helpline. Retrieved from https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline

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This document helps teachers and parents to identify symptoms of  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and provides resources on when to seek treatment, and what treatment might include.

Response Ability. (2015). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Retrieved from www.responseability.org

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This video helps to inform parents/teachers what Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) looks like in students and when parents should seek professional help for their child.

Howcast. (2012, May 3). What is oppositional defiant disorder [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/bG6XQwfIyXs

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What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder? | Child Psychology

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Watch more How to Understand Child Psychology videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/507701-What-Is-Oppositional-Defiant-Disorder-Child-Psychology Oppositional defiant disorder, or as some people know as ODD, occurs in about 20 percent of the school age population, and is definitely more commonly seen in boys than girls.

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This article offers parents/teachers an insight to anxiety and provides symptoms and treatment options.

Ehmke, R. (2020). School anxiety in the classroom. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/classroom-anxiety-in-children/

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Sometimes anxiety is easy to identify - like when a child is feeling nervous before a test at school. Other times anxiety in the classroom can look like something else entirely - an upset stomach, disruptive or angry behavior, ADHD, or even a learning disorder.

There are many different kinds of anxiety, which is one of the reasons it can be hard to detect in the classroom. What they all have in common, says neurologist and former teacher Ken Schuster, PsyD, is that anxiety "tends to lock up the brain," making school hard for anxious kids.

Children can struggle with:

Separation anxiety: When children are worried about being separated from caregivers. These kids can have a hard time at school drop-offs and throughout the day.

Social anxiety: When children are excessively self-conscious, making it difficult for them to participate in class and socialize with peers.

Selective mutism: When children have a hard time speaking in some settings, like at school around the teacher.

Generalized anxiety: When children worry about a wide variety of everyday things. Kids with generalized anxiety often worry particularly about school performance and can struggle with perfectionism.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: When children's minds are filled with unwanted and stressful thoughts. Kids with OCD try to alleviate their anxiety by performing compulsive rituals like counting or washing their hands.

Specific phobias: When children have an excessive and irrational fear of particular things, like being afraid of animals or storms.

Here are some tips for recognizing anxiety in kids at school, and what might be causing it.

Inattention and restlessness

When a child is squirming in his seat and not paying attention, we tend to think of ADHD, but anxiety could also be the cause. When kids are anxious in the classroom, they might have a hard time focusing on the lesson and ignoring the worried thoughts overtaking their brains. "Some kids might appear really 'on' at one point but then they can suddenly drift away, depending on what they're feeling anxious about," says Dr. Schuster. "That looks like inattention, and it is, but it's triggered by anxiety."

Attendance problems and clingy kids

It might look like truancy, but for kids for whom school is a big source of anxiety, refusing to go to school is also pretty common. School refusal rates tend to be higher after vacations or sick days, because kids have a harder time coming back after a few days away.

Going to school can also be a problem for kids who have trouble separating from their parents. Some amount of separation anxiety is normal, but when kids don't adjust to separation over time and their anxiety makes going to school difficult or even impossible, it becomes a real problem. Kids with separation anxiety may also feel compelled to use their phones throughout the day to check in with their parents.

Disruptive behavior

Acting out is another thing we might not associate with anxiety. But when a student is compulsively kicking the chair of the kid in front of him, or throws a tantrum whenever the schedule is ignored or a classmate isn't following the rules, anxiety may well be the cause. Similarly, kids who are feeling anxious might ask a lot of questions, including repetitive ones, because they are feeling worried and want reassurance.

Anxiety can also make kids aggressive. When children are feeling upset or threatened and don't know how to handle their feelings, their fight or flight response to protect themselves can kick in - and some kids are more likely to fight. They might attack another child or a teacher, throw things, or push over a desk because they're feeling out of control.

Trouble answering questions in class

Sometimes kids will do perfectly well on tests and homework, but when they're called on in class teachers hit a wall. There are several different reasons why this might happen.

"Back when I was teaching, I would notice that when I had to call on someone, or had to figure out who's turn it was to speak, it was like the anxious kid always tended to disappear," says Dr. Schuster. "The eager child is making eye contact, they're giving you some kind of physical presence in the room like 'Call on me, call on me!' " But when kids are anxious about answering questions in class, "they're going to break eye contact, they might look down, they might start writing something even though they're not really writing something. They're trying to break the connection with the teacher in order to avoid what's making them feel anxious."

If they do get called on, sometimes kids get so anxious that they freeze. They might have been paying attention to the lesson and they might even know the answer, but when they're called on their anxiety level becomes so heightened that they can't respond.

Frequent trips to the nurse

Anxiety can manifest in physical complaints, too. If a student is having unexplained headaches, nausea, stomachaches, or even vomiting, those could be symptoms of anxiety. So can a racing heart, sweaty palms, tense muscles, and being out of breath.

Problems in certain subjects

When a child starts doubting her abilities in a subject, anxiety can become a factor that gets in the way of her learning or showing what she knows. Sometimes this can be mistaken for a learning disorder when it's really just anxiety.

However anxiety can also go hand in hand with learning disorders. When kids start noticing that something is harder for them than the other kids, and that they are falling behind, they can understandably get anxious. The period before a learning disorder is diagnosed can be particularly stressful for kids.

Not turning in homework

When a student doesn't turn in her homework, it could be because she didn't do it, but it could also be because she is worried that it isn't good enough. Likewise, anxiety can lead to second guessing - an anxious child might erase his work over and over until there's a hole in the paper - and spending so much time on something that it never gets finished. We tend to think of perfectionism as a good thing, but when children are overly self-critical it can sabotage even the things they are trying their hardest at, like school work.

You might also notice that some anxious kids will start worrying about tests much earlier than their classmates and may begin dreading certain assignments, subjects, or even school itself.

Avoiding socializing or group work

Some kids will avoid or even refuse to participate in the things that make them anxious. This includes obvious anxiety triggers like giving presentations, but also things like gym class, eating in the cafeteria, and doing group work.

When kids start skipping things it might look to their teachers and peers like they are uninterested or underachieving, but the opposite might be true. Sometimes kids avoid things because they are afraid of making a mistake or being judged.

Dr. Schuster notes that when kids get anxious in social situations, sometimes they have a much easier time showing what they know when teachers engage them one-to-one, away from the group.

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How Does Anxiety Affect Kids in School? - Child Mind Institute

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Sometimes school anxiety is easy to identify - like when a child is feeling nervous before a test at school. Other times anxiety in the classroom can look like something else entirely - an upset stomach, disruptive or angry behavior, ADHD, or even a learning disorder.

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How to Help Students with Anxiety in the Classroom

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How to Help Students with Anxiety in the Classroom

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This article provides teachers with 10 easy ways to help students cope with anxiety while in the classroom.

Nelson, K. (2019). 10 ways to help students with anxiety in your classroom. Retrieved from https://www.weareteachers.com/7-ways-to-help-students-who-struggle-with-anxiety/

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Trouble concentrating. An upset stomach. Sleeplessness. Anxiety can show up in a lot of ways. And anxiety can be one of the most debilitating challenges that students face in classrooms today. Yet, it can also be one of the most hidden and unknown.

According to the Child Mind Institute, health-care providers have seen a 17 percent increase of anxiety in children over the past 10 years . But there aren't really that many more students seeking help and care. In fact, less than one percent of kids will seek anxiety treatment the year their symptoms begin. And even though anxiety will affect about 30 percent of all children at some time in their lives, more than 80 percent will never receive care for it.

Chances are you've seen the increase in anxiety in your classroom and school, maybe around testing season, or even kids experiencing trauma. You know anxiety is more than just "worries." Anxiety can influence classroom performance just as much as any other learning disability.

Kids who are worried and anxious aren't doing it on purpose. The nervous system acts automatically, especially when it comes to worry (which often stems from fight or flight reflexes). That's why phrases like "just relax" or "calm down" aren't helpful. But with practice, kids can learn to slow down their anxious brains, and teachers can learn to help them. Here are a few ways you can help anxious kids in the classroom.

1. Practice those deep breaths.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O29e4rRMrV4[/embedyt]

When people slow down their breathing, they slow down their brain. When I notice that one of my kids is struggling with anxiety, I'll often lead the whole class in a breathing exercise. It helps the child who is overwhelmed and usually a few other kids too. Sometimes, I'll do it just because the whole class is squirrelly and we need to focus. Slow, deep breaths are the key. This article about belly breathing describes the process I like to use with my kids. It works every single time.

2. Take a break and go outside.

Being out in nature can also calm an anxious brain. Sometimes just a change of scenery is what makes the difference. Breathing the cool air or making time to notice chirping birds can also calm an overactive worrier. Asking students to carefully observe their environment can help them turn the focus away from their worries and toward something more tangible: How many different kinds of trees do you see? How many different bird songs do you hear? How many different shades of green are in the grass?

3. Talk about anxiety openly.

Don't set anxiety up as something you want (or should) get rid of. It's part of life, and it's not realistic to think it'll go away completely. You can help students see and understand this in your own actions. Check out this great article of what you should (and shouldn't) do when working with kids dealing with anxiety.

4. Get kids moving.

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Exercise helps anyone who is feeling anxious. Anxiety can end up looking like anger, so if you see this, try taking a movement break. You probably already have some favorite ways to do this, but if you're looking for some ideas, check out our video above. You can also get the free set of printables for that right here.

5. Try walking and talking.

Building on the moving idea, if you have a student that needs some one-on-one attention, try the walk-and-talk method. I used to have a student who struggled a lot with anxiety, and this worked great with her. After a couple of loops around the playground with me, everything would feel a little better. Our walk served three purposes: 1. It removed her from the situation. 2. It gave her a chance to explain the issue to me. 3. It got her blood pumping, which clears out the anxiety-producing energy and brings in the positive exercise endorphins.

6. Think positive by having students keep a gratitude journal.

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The brain is incapable of producing anxious thoughts while it is producing positive thoughts stemming from gratitude. If you can trigger a positive train of thought, you can sometimes derail the anxiety. I knew a teacher who had his fifth graders keep gratitude journals, and every day they would record at least one thing they were thankful for. When his students seemed overwhelmed by negativity or mired in anxiety, he'd encourage them to reread their journals. Check out the video above for another inspiring teacher.

7. Remind kids to eat healthy and stay well.

For the most part, teachers don't really have a lot of control over what students eat and how much they sleep, but these things do matter when it comes to managing anxiety. Not surprisingly, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep make a difference in how well a student is able to handle situations that could be overwhelming. It's one of the reasons that snack and rest time were an essential part of the day when I was teaching preschool. (It probably would have benefited my older students too, even if they might not have admitted it!)

If you can find a way to work these things into your school day, they could make the difference for your kids who tend to worry. Even if you can't control these things, you can still remind them by talking about healthy food choices, or wrapping it into the curriculum when you can.

8. Share a story with your students.

Often, when one of my kids is struggling, the school counselor will come and share a picture book about managing anxiety with the entire class. Some kids may not be receptive to direct, one-on-one, intervention, but they will respond beautifully if they know the whole class is receiving the same information. Check out this list from WeAreTeachers about great books for kids with anxiety.

9. Try creating a space where kids can express their anxiety.

You've probably heard of classroom safe spaces, and this is a great option to offer if you have students dealing with anxiety. Another idea, which can stand on its own or be part of your safe space, is offering classroom fidgets. Sometimes this can work wonders in just giving kids an outlet. Here are some of our favorite classroom fidgets.

10. Offer individual accommodations.

For older students, accommodations can make all the difference. Many students struggle with performance anxiety, especially when it comes to tests. When a student is feeling anxious, their brain simply can't function as effectively. When we can set up our tests and assignments so anxious kids are less stressed, they'll likely perform better. Extended time and cue sheets could help kids who suffer from test anxiety. For other accommodations for kids who struggle with anxiety, check out this list from Worry Wise Kids.

The good news about anxiety is that it is one of the most manageable mental-health struggles that children face in the classroom. With the right support and strategies, most children are able to develop strategies that help them manage their anxiety.
Check out our article on how to help kids dealing with test anxiety. Teachers also deal with anxiety. Take a look at the realities of Sunday night anxiety and what you can do.

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10 Ways to Help Students Who Struggle With Anxiety

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Trouble concentrating. An upset stomach. Sleeplessness. Anxiety can show up in a lot of ways. And anxiety can be one of the most debilitating challenges that students face in classrooms today. Yet, it can also be one of the most hidden and unknown.