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.

Reporting a safeguarding concern

School teachers U18 wellbeing concern - If you have a student who you are concerned presents with these signs, please speak to your schools Designated Safeguarding Officer/Lead. Your school will have a safeguarding reporting structure which you should refer to for contact details.

Private teachers U18 wellbeing concern - Please speak to their caregiver. If you are teaching privately and you are concerned about speaking to the caregiver, you can always contact their schools Safeguarding Lead which should be on the schools website.

In the event you can’t contact a school - , you can contact the students local council LCSS. To find your local LCSS contact, search “LCSS council name”, or search on the councils website. If your concern is urgent, contact MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) council contact.