At Essex High School, sophomore Mia Gorman is one of the many students who deal with anxiety.
“Anxiety can feel like a million things happening at once, and it can be hard to pinpoint at times,” Gorman said. “I would say for me, anxiety feels like a never-ending worry train that keeps running in circles, picking up a new anxious feeling at every stop.”
Essex High School students are often faced with the pressure of academics, clubs, sports, and so much more; all this pressure can often lead to anxiety. Students at Essex High School have many supports in place to provide help.
The University of Vermont Child Health Improvement Plan released data in June 2024, yet conducted in 2022, revealing that Chittenden County has one of the highest percentages of patients, aged 0-21, with one or more diseases classified as anxiety/fear-related disorders in Vermont.
Essex High School Case Manager, Laura Frangipane, works with dozens of students who face this issue. Frangipane, better known as Frang, says that students with anxiety mostly struggle with activities done in front of their peers.
“Anxiety affects emotional regulation, meaning that students who have anxiety may avoid situations because of fear or have panic attacks,” Frangipane said. “Anxiety frequently impacts communication, making it difficult to participate in class, especially performance tasks like presentations.”
Anxiety could be considered something that requires accommodations. It depends on the personal case, yet they may need help to ensure equal access to accommodations.
Spanish Teacher, Colleen Birner, said she believes that giving students grace on their harder days can make an impact.
“Sometimes, just simple check-ins so students know you see them and are there for them can have a really positive impact,” Birner said, “The school year is a journey with ups and downs for everyone. For students with anxiety, I try to give some space and grace on harder days.”
Essex High School’s staff work to ensure that students have the best atmosphere to work in possible.
“There are so many great resources here at Essex High School for students if they need help with anxiety,” Frang said.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, remember there are resources available outside of school, such as calling 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or 802-488-7777 (Howard Center First Call). You can call for yourself or get help for someone you care about.
