LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Describe anxiety and the symptoms of an anxiety disorder; explain the benefits of discussing mental health concerns; identify coping strategies

HEALTH ED STANDARD

NHES 7: Demonstrate healthy practices and behaviors to maintain or improve the health of self and others


CASEL Competency: Social awareness

KEY VOCAB

reassurance, pivotal, paranoia, stigma, surmountable

Lesson Plan: Living With Anxiety

One in three teens has an anxiety disorder. Three students speak out about what it’s like to live with anxiety and how they cope.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can I find healthy ways to cope with anxiety?

 CLOSE-READING QUESTIONS

  1. What happened to Sonya when she had her first anxiety attack? Sonia’s face got hot and her body felt paralyzed. She felt like the walls were closing in on her. 
  2. What does Abbie do to treat her anxiety now? Abbie takes medication every morning and uses different strategies, like doing a body scan.
  3. How does photography help Michael manage his anxiety? When Michael focuses on taking pictures, it takes up so much of his attention that there’s no room for anxiety.

Like What You See?

Then you'll love Choices, our health, social-emotional learning, and life-skills magazine for grades 7–12 

 CRITICAL-THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Of the five self-care strategies mentioned on pg. 11 of the article, which one would most likely work for you, and why? Answers will vary.
  2. Should schools teach students to practice self-care? Possible answer: Yes, developing self-care habits might help students deal with the stress of school.
  3. Why do you think some people might be more open to discussing their physical health rather than sharing concerns about their mental health? Answers will vary.
  4. What are some of the things that give you anxiety? Describe a time when you were anxious about something, and explain how you handled the situation. Answers will vary.

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

EXTENSION ACTIVITY

NHES 7

CASEL Competency: Self-awareness

Writing in a journal every day helps Sonia keep anxiety in check. Using the prompts on our DAILY CHECK-IN sheet, students will take time every day for two weeks to reflect on their moods, achievements, and stressors.

ADVOCACY IN ACTION

NHES 2

CASEL Competency: Social awareness

To fight against the stigma surrounding mental health, Jonas Kolker spoke out about his anxiety in a TEDx video. Have the class watch it and then design an advocacy campaign, LET’S TALK ABOUT IT, that encourages others to share their mental health experiences.

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