Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/569858
ANXIETY Chavez, a junior at Apollo High School in San Jose, feels panicky around groups of people and worries they are judging her. She fears being bullied by peers about her appearance. She worries about her future and whether she will be successful in life. "Anxiety is a big problem for me," admits Chavez, who says it has caused her to miss lots of school. Chavez is not unusual. About 8 percent of American teens suf- fer from some sort of anxiety disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. CTA members agree that more stu- dents — especially girls — are anxious these days. It's happening to students at younger ages and across all socioeconomic levels. The causes may include bullying, broken homes, social media, and try- ing to navigate personal relationships. Because getting into college is much more competitive than in years past, some students take honors and AP classes that are challenging and stressful. When Chavez feels anxiety strike, she visits the Student Support Ser- vices office. She seeks out Jeanine Davis, a school social worker. "Miss Jeanine tries to figure out what's causing my anxiety and helps me relax a little bit," says Chavez. "It's good to have someone to talk to." EDUCATORS WITH INCREASED HELP STUDENTS COPE By Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Photography by Scott Buschman Alicia Chavez can tell when she is about to suffer an anxiety attack at school. Her hands get sweaty. Her heart starts racing. Her stomach and head begin to hurt. She can't concentrate and feels a need to go outside and take deep breaths. 30 cta.org Feature