SEND Advice

Anxiety

If you’ve been feeling stressed, nervous or overwhelmed , you’re not alone.
This space is all about helping you understand anxiety with SEND in a clear way.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural reaction your brain has to things that feel stressful or scary. It’s part of your body’s way of keeping you safe, and it’s often known as the “Fight, Flight or Freeze” response.

But sometimes, your brain can see danger where there isn’t any, and that’s when anxiety can start to take over.

Everyone feels anxious sometimes. But for young people with SEND, anxiety can feel more intense or happen more often.

Why does anxiety happen?

Anxiety can be triggered by loads of things. Some of the most common ones are:

Social

Social situations such as parties, schools, meeting new people, crowded rooms

Change

This could be ana new routine, a new place, or new people

Sensory Overload

Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells and more can all cause anxiety

Pressure

Pressure from school, college, work, exams, parents and social pressures.

Health worries

Not understanding what’s happening to you or around you can cause more anxiety.

Check out our Anxiety articles

Christmas Anxiety

Christmas anxiety can be an all too overwhelming feeling for those with SEND. Here are some tips to help you

Being a Young Carer

Find out more about being a young carer and some helpful resources.

Film: Is Anxiety linked to SEND?

Young person, Charlie, talks to an NHS specialist about the link between anxiety and SEND.

Film: Living with Anxiety

When you have SEND and anxiety, you can feel very stressed and alone. In this film, Charlie shares his tips

Film: Your Anxiety Questions, Answered

James, an NHS specialist in Learning Disability and Autism, answers your questions about anxiety.

Behind The Scenes – with Lucy

Lucy has additional hearing needs and shares about life with cochlear implants. She talks about being in our 'Hidden Disabilities'

Anxiety and You

Anxiety isn’t the same for everyone. You might notice:

A racing heart or feeling shaky
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Feeling sick or dizzy
Avoiding people, places or situations
Thinking something bad is going to happen (even if you’re not sure why)
Getting angry or upset easily

If you’re noticing these things a lot, then it’s a good time to reach out and get support. Anxiety is real and valid and help can be given.

Struggling with anxiety?

If anxiety is getting in the way of your life, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it’s the most sensible, brave, helpful thing to do.

That might mean:

Talking to a GP or mental health professional
Talking to your family and friends to let them know how you’re feeling and that you need support.
Getting a support plan in place.
Joining an online or local group where others share their experiences.

There’s never any shame in asking for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak – it means you’re taking the care of yourself.

Learn more on the Kids website

The Kids website has a selection of articles, workshops and more to help you, parent and carers navigate anxiety and mental health.

Articles about autism, ADHD, and SEND in education
Workshops and online support for parents and carers to attend

Some useful links...

These sites might be useful for you to explore and discover different aspects of anxiety

Activities

We have lots of activities that you can try anytime from the comfort of your own home. Check them out here.

NHS

Find out more about diagnosis options and support you can receive from health professionals.