*significant drops in school marks *changes to sleeping or eating habits *avoiding friends and family
*frequent, angry outbursts *drinking a lot and/or using drugs *not doing things they usually like to
do *worrying constantly *frequent mood swings *obsession or lack of concern about
weight/appearance *lacking energy or motivation *feeling down *risky behaviour.27
**Behaviours such as cutting, scratching or burning oneself, atypical comments made to peers or in
school assignments, and appearing emotionally absent are other possible signs.
**Disorders may include: anxiety disorders (phobias, social anxiety, separation anxiety/panic),
obsessive-compulsive disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD presenting as
predominantly inattentive and/or hyperactive/impulsive); mood disorders (depression, childhood
bipolar disorder), and eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating).
Strategies:STRATEGIES TO REDUCE STRESS FOR ALL STUDENTS • Create a learning environment where
mistakes are viewed as a natural part of the learning process. • Provide predictable schedules and
routines in the classroom. • Provide advance warning of changes in routine. • Provide simple
relaxation exercises that involve the whole class. • Encourage students to take small steps towards
accomplishing a feared task. (Based on information from: CYMHIN-MAD, 2011; Hincks-Dellcrest-ABCs,
n.d.)