Anxiety and School Refusal
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Anxiety: Understanding the causes and finding solutions through coaching.
Anxiety is a human emotion that can be helpful in certain situations, especially when we need to be alert to potential danger.
However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily life. One common manifestation of anxiety in young people is school refusal.
School refusal is a phenomenon where a child or adolescent experiences significant distress when faced with attending school. This can lead to them consistently and repeatedly avoiding school. It can be brought on by a variety of factors, including social anxiety, separation anxiety, and generalized anxiety. In severe cases, school refusal can lead to significant educational and social impairments and an increased risk of developing other mental health problems.
Understanding the Causes of School Refusal.
There are several potential causes of school refusal, including:
Anxiety Disorders: Social anxiety, separation anxiety, and generalized anxiety
Trauma: Exposure to traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect, or violence
Bullying: Experiencing bullying or harassment at school
Family Factors: Family issues such as conflict or instability
Academic Pressures: Academic pressure, including perceived or actual performance expectations
Coaching to Overcome Anxiety and School Refusal
Coaching is a therapeutic approach that can help young people and families overcome anxiety and school refusal. Here are some ways coaching can help:
Identifying the Root Cause: Coaches can help young people and families identify the underlying causes of school refusal, including anxiety disorders, trauma, bullying, family issues, and academic pressures
Developing Coping Strategies: Coaches can help young people develop coping strategies to manage anxiety, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk
Building Resilience: Coaches can help young people build resilience and develop a growth mindset, which can help them overcome challenges and setbacks
Improving Communication: Coaches can help young people and families improve communication and problem-solving skills, which can reduce conflict and improve family relationships
Setting Realistic Goals: Coaches can help young people set realistic goals and develop action plans to achieve those goals
By working with one of our coaches, young people, and families can develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome anxiety and school refusal.
In conclusion, school refusal can be a challenging issue for young people and families, but it is not insurmountable. With the help of a coach, young people, and families can identify the root causes of school refusal and develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome anxiety and succeed in school and life.
Ana Pereira
Clinical Lead – Psychology
BSc (Hons) Psychology and Child Development
MSc Health Psychology, MBPsS
