Facing Anxiety at Taconic High School

Pooping in public: we’ve all done it, but how many people experience anxiety because of it? Well, it's more common than you think. In an article by Talker News, it was found that “seven in 10 Americans are holding their poop…to avoid using a public restroom. When asked about their pooping preferences, 69% of Americans “hate pooping in public so much, they hold it in until they can be in the comfort of their own home.” Not only is this a common issue at Taconic High School in Pittsfield, MA, but anxiety is as well. These issues are tied together and feed off of each other.

Anxiety is a natural and often beneficial emotional response to stress, fear, or worry, typically in the face of uncertainty or possible danger. It involves a range of feelings such as unease, nervousness, and apprehension. When I return to class from the bathroom and the subjects have changed, it stresses me out because now I need to catch up, which adds more and more work onto me. I wouldn't know what to talk about or even write down because I missed a lot just by going to the bathroom or even sleeping in class.

Anxiety can help an individual stay alert and focused, but when it becomes excessive or chronic, it may interfere with daily life and well-being. Anxiety can lead to a lot of mental and physical health conditions. A family history of anxiety disorders can increase your susceptibility, while stressful life events such as trauma, loss, or major life changes can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. In some cases, people may benefit from a combination of therapy and medication.

As you can see Taconic features signs about the 988 life line which helps students feel like they can reach out for help when they really need it.

School is a big cause of anxiety. If a student isn’t previously diagnosed with anxiety, school can cause them to feel like they need to be. On the other hand, if a student has been previously diagnosed with anxiety, school can be something that makes it worse. At Taconic, presentations are mandatory in many classes, such as English, history, and some electives. Many kids struggle with social anxiety and presentations and talking in front of the class can make it worse.

Safety is also a huge issue in schools now, and that can cause a lot of anxiety for students. There have been two lockdowns this year due to problems outside of Taconic, and lockdowns can cause anxiety as well, especially if you know it isn’t a drill. “I might feel panic, stress, I could possibly freeze.” Noah R., 17, a student here at Taconic High School states he usually feels stressed out when these lockdowns happen. “I fear for my safety and others”. This is a huge issue in America, and going to school knowing you might not be safe can cause huge amounts of anxiety in students.

Another big thing that could cause anxiety is bullying. Bullying is still a big issue today, even if it isn’t as noticeable. Many schools have safe places for students to go or people that the students feel safe talking to, but some don’t, and that can become a big issue. Many kids struggle with being picked on due to their style, hygiene issues, etc. Knowing you’re going to a place where you’re about to be picked on, can cause huge amounts of stress, anxiety, and even depression. School is supposed to be a place where you can be yourself, learn, and do what you need to do without worrying about being judged. Unfortunately, it isn’t for many students.

At Taconic, the nurse’s office is the safe place for many students. Students going to the nurse when they’re feeling anxiety is a very common thing. Not only is her office cozy, but she is very welcoming, and also deals with anxiety herself so she knows how to help. We had a chance to interview Taconic’s school nurse, Patricia Raphael, or Nurse Trish, about this issue. In between talking about others, we got a glimpse of her personality as well. Nurse Trish noted that anxiety seems to be very common here at Taconic. It is a safe place for kids to go and “take a deep breath and relax and get themselves back together.”

A lot of things the physical issues students go in for can be caused by anxiety, like stomach aches, nausea, and headaches. In Nurse Trish’s office, there is an all-gender restroom. This is not only a safe place for students struggling with identity, but it's also a safe place for students who feel anxiety when having to use crowded bathrooms. Nurse Trish keeps records on the number of students she sees each day. Out of an average of 60 student visits a day, about 10 are usually in there for anxiety. That does not include the students with stomach aches, students who come in and use the bathroom, students who come in just to lay down in the back, etc. So, how many students a week does she see for anxiety? Over 100 a week, if not more. Nurse Trish also commented that she, like many adults, sometimes experiences anxiety. “I’m an anxiety person myself,” she stated. “I think sometimes maybe me and the students feed off of each other’s anxiety”.

The bathroom in the nurse's office is an unexpectedly quiet place to go in our busy high school. Nurse Trish says it is a popular place to go.

Anxiety is a common mental health concern that a lot of students experience, but how do you spot it? If you don’t have anxiety, one of the most noticeable indicators of anxiety is a student's change in behavior. Students who experience anxiety often refuse to participate in specific activities, avoid social interactions, or even skip school altogether. Restlessness and difficulty sitting still can also be a signal that a student is feeling anxious. We are stressed and our bodies are showing that. When I see this in Taconic, I feel compelled to ask if they're okay, even though I might be engaging in the same behavior. It's important to check in and see how they're doing. Some students may also withdraw, preferring to isolate themselves rather than engage with their peers or teachers. It can lead to misunderstandings or negative interactions between teachers and students. For others, anxiety can manifest into something as simple as over-preparation and perfectionism, the fear of making mistakes can drive a person to spend excessive time on tasks.

All around Taconic, there are posters to let you know that you aren’t alone, and that there is hope. Most of these posters also provide a link or place where you can get help if you need it.

The physical symptoms of anxiety can lead to repeated visits to the school nurse or even requests to go home. If you notice a student who is often dismissed, it may be due to anxiety. It’s difficult to focus when troubling thoughts cloud your concentration.

If you are a student dealing with anxiety, it's essential to know that you are not alone, and it's okay to feel this way. Here at Taconic, there are many resources for people who are struggling with not just anxiety, but mental health in general. This includes the school resource officer, the teachers of deportment, or TODs (they are to help people who struggle situating in a classroom) , Connect for Success, the school counselors, and even some teachers. Anxiety is something many people experience, and it does not define your abilities, worth, or potential. It is natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes, especially with the challenges that school can bring, but there is no shame in asking for help or taking time to care for yourself. Your feelings are valid, and there will always be someone at your corner to support you. You are stronger than you realize, and with patience and support, you can handle this and continue to grow.

RESET is a place in our school that can be somewhere for students to take a break, relax, and get away from their current anxiety.