Reaching Through: Working with Students with Anxiety

1. Working with Students withAnxietyDoug TateStudent Staff In-ServiceUniversity of Central ArkansasNovember 9th, 2014 2. Outcomes Understand different types of anxiety Identify students who may be suffering from anxietyand know when to intervene Understand your role as a staff member when workingwith a student with anxiety Know your referral sources and when to utilize them 3. What is anxiety?stress that continues after the stressor is gone (National Library of Medicine) 4. Anxiety Disorders Indicated by excessive worry or anxiety about issuesthat lingers for six months or more (National Library ofMedicine) There are a multitude of anxiety disorders Two of the most common forms that are found incollege students: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) 5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Condition in which a person is often worried oranxious about many things and finds it hard to controlthis anxiety (National Library of Medicine) Affects 1 out of 20 people in their lifetime Presents as intense worry over everyday issues, such aswork, relationships, money, health, etc. Identified as GAD when physical symptoms becomeevident, such as Sleep disorders Restlessness Sweating Panic Attacks 6. Glass Peoplehttp://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/multimedia/glass-people 7. What were some of the stressors for Matt?What symptoms was he experiencing?How did he ultimately deal with his problems? 8. Social Anxiety Disorder Characterized by intense fear of social situations,typically for fear of embarrassment and judgment (APA,2000) Affects 13% of all people; 96% of all cases firstdiagnosed between ages of 13-26 Theorized that social anxiety is rooted in the fear of notmeeting expectations of peers. (Shlenker & Leary, 1982) 9. Effects of SAD Disconnection from peer groups Decreased academic performance Avoidance of stressful situations Increased use of alcohol They think it is expected It helps them cope with the stress 10. Effects of SAD Lack of involvement on campus Astins Theory of Involvement Early departure from school 25% of students report anxiety as reason for dropping orstopping out 11. Identifying Residents in Need Things you may notice Withdrawn Tired, rundown appearance Irritability Ongoing, unrealistic worry over minor issues Be aware Anxiety if self-sustaining Can grow exponentially Dont try to explain it away; logic wont work 12. Being a resource If a student comes to you, or you approach them: Be a sounding board, but dont add to worry or dismiss theirconcerns Remain confidential, unless you fear they are a danger tothemselves or others Be careful of the terminology you use; let them describe theproblem 13. Resources UCA Counseling Center Student Health, Suite 327 (501) 450-3138 UCA PD (501) 450-3111 Your RC/AD; RC on Duty 14. ReferencesNational Library of Medicine. (2014, February 24). Stress and anxiety.Retrieved November 7, 2014, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0003695/Glass People. (2013, January 1). Retrieved November 3, 2014, fromwww.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/multimedia/glass-peopleAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and statisticalmanual of mental disorders (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC:Author