Possibilities for Supporting Students with Anxiety Disorders in the School Environment
Possibilities for Supporting Students with Anxiety Disorders in the School Environment

Summary/Abstract: Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental disorders among children and adolescents, and their prevalence is steadily increasing. They may manifest as severe, complex and chronic as early as in adolescence, leading to significant difficulties in family, school, and social functioning, increasing the risk of other mental and somatic health problems. That is why it is so important for the child to receive care and appropriate support as early as possible. School is one of the most important places where the first symptoms of anxiety disorders can be noticed. Teachers, school counsellors, and psychologists are among the first to recognise the symptoms early and initiate support measures. Most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorders among children and adolescents have been presented in this article as well as some of school intervention strategies aimed at creating an optimal environment for students experiencing anxiety have been outlined. The following forms of support are mentioned: mindfulness training, peer tutoring, preventive programmes to develop stress management skills and strengthen mental resilience, activities to foster an atmosphere of safety, appropriate preparation of teachers for the initial diagnosis of students with anxiety disorders, individualisation of the education process, and involvement of the family in the intervention process. In addition to ways of supporting students with anxiety disorders, some of the difficulties that schools may face in carrying out tasks in this area have also been identified.

• Details
• Contents