Gen Z and Gen Alpha are experiencing more anxiety in a world that feels increasingly unstable.  From political unrest to housing and food costs rising significantly, there is a lot to be anxious about.  Regardless of the cause, understanding it is the best way to help them.

Anxiety inhibits executive functions and can disrupt learning by making it harder for students to pay attention in class or while studying.  Learning takes focus, and anxiety causes intrusive thoughts and fears that make this difficult.  According to www.anxietyintheclassroom.org, anxiety makes it hard for students to take in, process, and store information in long-term memory.  Therapist Denise Egan Stack says that some specialists are beginning to recognize anxiety as a learning disability. 

Anxiety can be hard to detect, especially if your child has learned to mask or hide their symptoms.  They may not want to go to school, have disrupted sleep, or have difficulty with social interactions.  They can be slow to complete their schoolwork or have missing assignments, and struggle to stay organized and manage their lives.

So, how can we help them?  The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has great tips for parents and caregivers. 

• Therapy and medication are two ways to help ease symptoms of anxiety.

• When your child becomes overwhelmed, stay calm. This will help them calm down.

• Don’t punish mistakes but help them realize their mistake and make a plan to correct it in the future.

• Praise their accomplishments, no matter how small.

• Be flexible when you can, but also keep a normal routine.

• Discuss strategies that help them calm down. For instance, listening to music, breathing exercises, or going to the bathroom for a quiet moment to reset.

One of the best things you can do to help a loved one with anxiety is to let them know that they are okay, and they aren’t bad, or broken for feeling this way. 

Take an anxiety test now at https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/anxiety/