Our kiddos are anxious.
According to the American Stress Institute, about 70% of U.S. teens ages 13-17 say anxiety or depression are major issues among their peers. This is apparent in our classrooms, as teachers observe students who freeze, lash out, or suddenly shut down.
Because anxiety can look different from one child to the next, it can be challenging to identify. However, we often find the same four domains at play: physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. Understanding each domain can help us support students with care and confidence. Below is a descriptive list of each domain, including information on what to look for and how to assist.
The Physical Domain
Every morning before math, Maya complains of a stomachache and asks to see the nurse. There’s nothing physically wrong, but her racing heart and queasy stomach indicate that she might be anxious. For Maya, anxiety presents as physical discomfort when the body is triggered by a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. For students, that can mean headaches, stomachaches, restlessness, or fatigue.
Teacher Tip:
Validate, don’t dismiss. Try: “It sounds like your stomach feels tight before math. Let’s take a few deep breaths.” Predictable routines and calm starts can help students regulate and feel safe.
The Emotional Domain
Elijah stares at his essay, eyes filling with tears. “It’s terrible,” he says, crumpling the paper. Emotionally, anxiety often shows up as fear, frustration, or self-doubt. Students might cry easily, resist help, or take criticism to heart. Elijah is so anxious about the quality of his essay that he completely shuts down.
Teacher Tip:
Respond with empathy and calm: “It sounds like you’re frustrated. Writing can be tough, but we’ll take it one step at a time.” Validating feelings teaches students that emotions aren’t dangerous; they’re normal and manageable.
The Cognitive Domain
Sophia reads the test directions again and again, unable to start. Her mind races: What if I fail? What if everyone finishes before me? Anxiety floods the brain with “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios, making it hard to focus or think clearly. In Sophia’s case, she’s frozen with the messages of potential failure.
Teacher Tip:
Break tasks into small, doable parts. Encourage positive self-talk like, “I’ll try my best” instead of “I’ll fail.” These small shifts can quiet racing thoughts. Consider arranging scheduled assignments in brief chunks leading up to a final assessment.
The Behavioral Domain
When it’s time for group work, Ben asks to work apart from the group, but does not turn in his part of the assignment. It looks like avoidance, but underneath is fear of embarrassment or judgment. Behaviorally, anxiety can look like avoidance, perfectionism, or even defiance. Students may withdraw or act out to cope, especially in Ben’s case, to avoid potential embarrassment.
Teacher Tip:
See the behavior as communication. Offer choices: “Would you rather share your ideas on paper first or with your group?” Flexibility and encouragement build confidence over time.
Anxiety is a full-body experience, with physical discomfort, feelings, thoughts, and actions. When we recognize these signs, we can respond to the whole child, not just what appears on the surface. Supporting anxious students starts with small, consistent moments of understanding.
This week, observe your students through these four domain lenses. Who might be showing anxiety in their body, their words, or their actions? Try one small supportive step: validate a feeling, offer a choice, or create a calming routine. Those small moments of compassion can help students manage their anxiety in a supportive and healthy way.
For more information and strategies to serve students with anxiety, check out our course, 5371: Helping Anxious Kids Feel Safe and Supported.
About the Author
Betsy Butler (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in English, a Master’s in Education, and has been teaching since 1992. Betsy uses her three decades of teaching experience to write and revise our courses while selecting the perfect accompanying texts. Her specialty areas include ELA, special education topics, behavior management, and mental health.
Fun Fact: Betsy’s daily conquest is solving the New York Times crossword puzzle!
