What to Look Out For: Top Signs of Anxiety in Students

Student with Anxiety

Anxiety is a psychological condition that is characterized by intense feelings of fear, apprehension and uneasiness. Anxiety is considered a natural human emotion experienced in everyday situations such as during an exam or when a situation requires a large amount of concentration.

Normal anxiety is triggered by environmental factors caused by the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is activated when a person experiences an event that may be perceived as dangerous, stressful or a threat.

Although anxiety is a normal experience for any human being, it can be quite an obstacle when experienced too often. People who experience too much anxiety should be helped and guided accordingly. One group of people who share this often are students. With all the pressure of school and their own lives, it’s essential to be there for them in their time of need.

The first step to helping students with anxiety is knowing when they are going through it. In this article, let’s look at some of the top signs of anxiety in students.

Here’s what you need to know:

Isolation and Withdrawal From Social Interaction

Anxiety can lead to social isolation. Even though every student needs some time to themselves from time to time, it’s essential to look out for students who become too isolated and withdrawn from social interaction. A student may suddenly decide that they no longer want to leave the house or may be afraid to join in on a social situation.

A student who withdraws from social interactions may be experiencing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. If you suspect a student is going through these problems, chat with them and try to find out what is happening.

Unusual Lack of School Participation

Students who aren’t that involved in school may be experiencing some mental health problems. It’s common for students to be distracted from school, but it’s more obvious when it continues for a longer period.

A student not participating at school may suffer from an underlying mental problem. It may be a case of anxiety or stress. If you suspect a student is having problems, try to befriend them and see if they open up to you. It’s important to stay supportive and remind them that they are not alone.

Constant Nervousness and Inability to Concentrate

What’s normal for a student to get nervous before an exam or presentation? It’s an entirely normal thing. Everyone gets nervous from time to time. When it continues and is interfering with the student’s life, it could be a reason for concern.

Students who experience constant nervousness and have trouble concentrating on their schoolwork may be experiencing anxiety. Anxiety is a condition that negatively affects a person’s ability to concentrate. A student with anxiety may have difficulty focusing on work that they find stressful.

Noticeable Physical Changes

Students who are experiencing anxiety may experience physical changes that are noticeable to others. When a person has anxiety, they may display physical signs such as restlessness and a racing heart. People who experience anxiety may be unable to stay still and fidget a lot.

The Bottom Line

Anxiety can be a debilitating condition that negatively affects a person’s ability to live a normal life. Students experiencing anxiety may need the help of a trained mental health professional. If you suspect that a student is experiencing anxiety, you should first try to approach them in a friendly and non-judgmental way. 

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