Basics of Anxiety
What is anxiety?
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear about something that may happen.
A student feels nervous before taking a big test. What might the student be experiencing?
Anxiety
You feel nervous before a presentation. Name one healthy strategy you could try.
Take slow breaths, practice, or use positive self-talk.
Maya keeps checking the clock before her presentation. What might you infer?
She may be nervous or worried about presenting.
Can someone feel anxious about something even if it has not happened yet?
Yes. Anxiety can involve worrying about future events.
Name one emotion a person might experience when feeling anxious.
Nervousness, worry, fear, or uneasiness.
Why might a student feel anxious before giving a presentation?
They may worry about making a mistake or what others will think.
Your friend is worried about an upcoming test. What is one helpful thing you could say or do?
Encourage them, listen, or offer to study together.
Noah studies for a test but repeatedly says, "What if I forget everything?" What does this suggest about his thoughts?
He is worried about forgetting what he studied.
A student feels nervous before joining a new club. Is this an example of anxiety related to a new experience?
Yes
Name one way anxiety can affect a person's body.
A racing heart, sweaty hands, or a shaky feeling.
A student has three assignments due tomorrow and feels overwhelmed. What might be contributing to their anxiety?
Worry about completing all the assignments on time.
You feel overwhelmed by a large assignment. What is one step you could take to make it more manageable?
Break it into smaller tasks and complete one at a time.
Ava avoids eye contact and speaks quietly when asked to read aloud. What might these clues suggest?
She may feel nervous, uncomfortable, or afraid of making a mistake.
Two students have the same presentation. One feels excited, and the other feels anxious. What does this show?
People can react differently to the same situation.
True or false: Everyone experiences anxiety in exactly the same way.
False. People experience anxiety differently.
A student avoids asking a question because they are afraid classmates will laugh. What can you infer about the student's thoughts?
They are worried about being judged or embarrassed.
You are nervous about trying something new, so you want to avoid it completely. What could you do instead?
Start with a small step, prepare beforehand, and ask for support if needed.
Emma has practiced her speech several times, but her hands still shake when she stands in front of the class. What can you infer?
She may still feel anxious even though she is prepared.
A student is worried about an upcoming game. They focus on what they have practiced instead of worrying about the crowd. What strategy are they using?
Focusing on what they can control.
How can anxiety affect a person's thoughts, feelings, and body at the same time?
It can cause worried thoughts, nervous feelings, and physical reactions, such as a racing heart.
A student studies for a test but keeps thinking, "I'm going to fail," even though they know the material. What is one helpful way to respond to this thought?
Replace it with a more balanced thought, such as "I've prepared, and I'll do my best."
A friend tells you they feel anxious all the time and it is interfering with school. What is a responsible way to help?
Listen without judging and encourage them to talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school counselor.
A student notices their heart racing before a speech. They pause, take slow breaths, and begin speaking. What can you infer about how they are handling the situation?
They are using a coping strategy to manage their nervousness and continue with the task.
Why is avoiding every situation that causes nervousness not always the most helpful long-term solution?
Avoidance can prevent someone from learning to handle manageable challenges. Gradual steps and support may help them build confidence.