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Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Mental Health

Generalised Anxiety Disorder Pathway

Generalised anxiety disorder is a prolonged feeling of panic, worry or constant dread which is felt most of the time. It can prevent young people from engaging with school, hobbies or their social life, and in some cases can lead to clinical depression.

On this pathway, the counsellor will help the young person to explore the root of the anxiety so they can understand it and begin to overcome it. The student will learn to recognise triggers for their anxiety, strategies to manage it, and will get support to build their self-esteem and resilience. This improved confidence should lead to improved mood and enable them to engage with their school and home life more confidently.

Length of treatment

10 sessions delivered weekly

Prerequisites

None required

Referral Criteria

  • Symptoms of anxiety for 6 months or longer
  • Expressing feelings of being overwhelmed, a sense of dread or constant panic
  • Persistently withdrawn or avoidant
  • Catastrophises things, worrying about the worst-case scenario
  • Visibly distressed, irritable or has panic attacks
  • Poor memory, concentration or decision-making skills
  • Avoids taking risks, is reluctant to try new activities or is self-critical
  • May report physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach ache, nausea, heart palpitations or sleeplessness

What we will work on

  • Explore the root of the anxiety, including attachment style and relational patterns which impact on individual functioning
  • Develop strategies to recognise triggers of anxiety, including CBT techniques, relaxation and mindfulness strategies (as appropriate) to cope with heightened symptoms
  • Solution-focused techniques to change unhelpful behaviours or thought patterns
  • Build self-esteem and resilience in order to cope long-term with anxiety

What we want to accomplish

  • Lower anxiety levels (as measured on YP Core 10)
  • Reduction in symptoms
  • More able to cope with anxious situations
  • Improved self-esteem and resilience
  • Improved attendance and engagement with learning

Get AccessIf you're not already a Mable school, click here to access these pathways for your students: