Understanding and Challenging the Anxiety Cycle

As part of our commitment to our students and their wellbeing, some of our staff have been attending training around mental health, anxiety and trauma informed practice over the last couple of weeks.

As always, our school seeks to provide excellent, evidence-based education within a biblical worldview that honours Christ, builds community and helps our students grow in grace and knowledge. We seek to show the love, care and empathy of Jesus to those who are struggling both physically, spiritually and mentally. In essence, we want to educate and care for the whole child, which of course includes their mental health.

Mental health, and specifically anxiety disorders affect millions of people in Australia. In fact, statistics from the Black Dog Institute shows that at least 1 in 5 students aged 5 – 14 years old experience mental health challenges, with only 50% engaging in supports. Only 20% of the 50% received evidence-based support and only 10% of those have positive outcomes. Interestingly, 50% of all disorders have onset before the age of 14 years old. Early intervention seems to be the key to supporting students to ensure better mental health outcomes for all teens and adults.

In our children and teens, the main mental health concern for younger students is actually anxiety related disorders. As such, we believe an understanding of what anxiety is, the Anxiety Cycle, and how to support students to challenge their fears, is empowering knowledge for all to understand, and implement. We seek to support students to become resilient, hopeful and mentally healthy individuals.

It’s important to note that anxiety in and of itself is not necessarily a negative emotion. It can be anticipation, nervousness about the unknown or simply excitement. Think about your wedding, or a running race, or sporting events such as the Olympics. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or physical adrenalin, but can become unhealthy when it starts to constantly manifest as feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension. It can become a disorder when it’s persistent, overwhelming, and/or interferes with daily life. This should be viewed across a continuum, rather than a fixed position. Also, anxiety (and many mental health concerns) can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

When anxiety becomes moderate to severe and is impacting on everyday living, often a cycle of avoidance occurs, which unfortunately only prolongs and reinforces the anxiety or fear. I have included a short video here from the AISNSW and an image here for information. https://vimeo.com/853559371/1b2d74ea63?share=copy

We were challenged when on training to consider the ways we sometimes as parents and as educators prolong this cycle, even with the most empathetic or best of intentions, and were encouraged to begin to scaffold and support our students to better challenge those unhealthy and anxious fears and thoughts for better longer term positive outcomes. The diagram below quite simply points out three keys things we can do moving forward.

Firstly, as adults we tend to rush in to support our children by wanting to solve the problem, or be constantly reassuring them; however, research shows inquiring, listening and seeking to understand the core perceived threat will better equip the student towards better outcomes.

Secondly, giving students the skills to build tolerance towards the physical symptoms of anxiety helps them break this cycle of unfortunate prolonged reinforcement.

Lastly, instead of avoiding the perceived threat/situation etc, through scaffolded smaller (or bigger) steps can produce longer lasting positive change.

You can also check out the second video from the AISNSW here. https://vimeo.com/853560063/8102b408da?share=copy

Overall, understanding and challenging anxiety is a journey that involves both knowledge and action. By recognising the nature of anxiety and implementing strategies to address it, we can start to support our children and students lead a more fulfilling life.

Remember, it’s okay to seek help (whether young or old), and taking small steps can make a significant difference. Mental health concerns affect all members of society, but we know that connecting with others can be a powerful way to manage anxiety. If you or your child are struggling, please consider sharing your feelings with us, or with trusted friends or family members, join support groups, or seek professional counselling.

Lastly, remember we have a loving Father who is sovereign in all things and who cares for you in your joy and in your sorrow. He is always there and expressed his commitment to caring for you by dying on a cross and bearing human suffering. Be brave enough to, “Cast all your cares on Him, for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5 : 6-7 & Psalm 55:22

Mrs Faith Hull

Principal