Presented by: Emma Nuttall, Pastoral Manager
At Holmfirth High School, we understand that many of our young people will feel tense or worried from time to time, indeed a certain level of Anxiety helps us stay alert and aware and can actually be helpful in improving our performance.
Most young people will learn how to manage their thoughts, feelings and emotions, but some may need extra support.
When these feelings of Anxiety become increasingly persistent or begin to affect a young person’s ability to live, it is important to seek support.
Anxiety may be a problem when :
- there isn’t a clear reason for it
- it disrupts a young person’s life at home or school on a regular basis
- the problem has gone but the feeling of fear or panic has not
- it interferes with their ability to take part in activities
- they struggle to complete tasks that other children or young people do easily
- their fear or worry seems out of proportion to the problem
- they become anxious or fearful more easily, or more often, or more intensely than other children or young people
- it leads to unhelpful and unrealistic thoughts about themselves and others.
With the use of material and guidance from numerous expert sources, Holmfirth High School have developed our own CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) based Anxiety program to support students from within the safety and familiarity of our own setting.
ANXIETY PROGRAM
- 6 x 1 hour long sessions delivered within the school day or extra curricular
- Maximum of 8 students per workgroup
- Each student will build their own portfolio to keep for future reference
- Objectives of the course include :
Developing an understanding of Anxiety, the signs, symptoms and effects
Reflecting upon the student’s own Anxiety and it’s impacts
Learning how to Manage our Thoughts and Behaviours using CBT methods
Reduce our reliance upon Safety Behaviours, such as Avoidance
Develop positive Coping Strategies
- Follow up Anxiety Support Group
Previous attendees have provided the following feedback :
‘I have learnt so much from this course how to think positively, understanding where anxiety comes from and the reason behind it and mostly methods to help ‘
‘I feel less alone and more comfortable speaking about my anxiety.’
‘I think it has made me more aware of my anxiety and given me good coping strategies’
‘The course has helped me feel less alone and realise that other people around me feel similar to me. It has provided me with strategies I can apply when I am struggling.’