This article will refer purely to state anxiety, but it’s important to be aware of different types of anxiety when exploring this with students. It may be a student had a diagnosed anxiety disorder, or may shift in presenting with concerning signs.

State anxiety

State anxiety is what we experience when we are faced with a specific challenge. Like a solo concert. This is human and experienced by the masses.

Generalised anxiety

Generalised anxiety is long-term anxiety, experiencing anxiety constantly in every day issues. There is no particular one event.

Signs of Generalised Anxiety include (NHS, 2025):

• feeling restless, irritable or finding it difficult to concentrate

• difficulty sleeping

• getting tired easily

• feeling tense

• stomach problems

• a more noticeable or unusual heartbeat (palpitations)

• feeling lightheaded or dizzy

• low mood or depression

To read more about signs of social anxiety, OCD and other related anxiety - visit Young Minds.