Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/569858
and recognize their symptoms before anxiety turns into a full-blown panic attack, and create a safe environment where students can discuss issues. We asked the experts for their advice. It is important for a doctor to rule out dan- gerous health conditions that can mimic anxiety, if there are symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing, says Cloutman, the school nurse. Some campuses offer yoga classes and meditation exercises to help students release tension. "We offer mindfulness and meditation to help CSU San Ber- nardino students," says Webster-Henry. "It's a set of skills about being in the present moment rather than being in the future with the unknown — or the past, where there may be regret. We remind students they have no control over the past or the future." Webster-Henry says it is import- ant to "normalize" anxious students' feelings as being within the human expe- rience and remind them they are not crazy. "Compassion is the biggest word we like to use. They may be going through more than you could ever believe, and they will just tell you what's on the surface." Makena, the school psychologist, urges educators to refer students to a mental health professional if they think anxiety is holding them back from being successful. "Talk to them about their concerns," she says. "Help them develop social supports. Praise their efforts. Emphasize exercise and good sleep, and teach relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Help stu- dents with organization and practice tasks. Develop small scripts of what to do and say in difficult situations. Teach optimism through positive self-talk." Education is key in understanding the problem, says Abono, the school counselor. "Learn how anxiety and depression manifests in adolescents. Then you can educate parents and help them understand their kids are not 'faking it' or trying to be maliciously manipulative. Because no, often it isn't just hormones." Abono says it's important to communicate students' individual needs to pertinent staff such as other teachers, the health clerk, secretaries and the school nurse, as well as parents. Teachers should be on the lookout for clues. For example, a student who regularly does homework, participates in class and swears they have studied for a test, only to consistently fail tests and exams, may suffer from test-taking anxiety. "If you know one of your students suffers from anx- iety, consider possibly chunking out material in small pieces rather than one huge assignment," Abono suggests. "Breaking things down for students with anxiety is imperative for their academic success." To prevent anxiety from triggering a panic attack, sometimes students must be given space. "Students with anxiety are terrified they will have a panic attack in front of others, which can include passing out from hyperventilation, crying hysterically, throwing up, or lashing out in anger verbally or physically," Abono explains. "In an effort to prevent these things from happening in front of others, an anxious student may inexplicably get up in the middle of class and leave without permission. This is not defiance. This is a student who feels so out of control they are left with no other options." Anxiety, she adds, isn't something that goes away. Usually it must be managed for a lifetime. Chavez, the San Jose student coping with anxiety, also has some advice for educators. "If I have to step outside, please let me step outside. Let me sit next to the door or window so I can breathe and not feel so trapped. Don't make a fuss about me or make me the center of attention. Please understand that instead of more pressure, sometimes I just need to calm down and take a deep breath." Student Jazmin Garcia strikes a meditative pose at CSU San Bernardino. Karen Cloutman Kristin Makena 33 V O LU M E 2 0 I S S U E 2 FIVE TIPS TO HELP STUDENTS DECOMPRESS Source: Heather Webster-Henry, California Faculty Association, CSU San Bernardino • Take deep breaths. • Take a three- to five- minute walk. • Offer a positive affirmation, such as "This feeling will pass." • Make a "grateful list" of things that are positive and good. • Focus in the present rather than the past or future, by concentrating on the five senses, smelling, feeling, hearing, seeing and tasting.