By CPS (St. Cecilia) Healthy Courier reporters | It’s important for kids to learn how to manage anxiety so it doesn’t get in the way of what you want to do.
Simply connecting with family and friends can be a way to lessen anxiety, according to experts at the American Heart Association.
There are many strategies that can help you deal with anxiety, including having a pet.
St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral Healthy Courier eighth-grade reporters interviewed Principal Mrs. Kyle Orosz about the impact anxiety can have on students. The interview has been lightly edited.
Q. How do you define anxiety?
Mrs. Orosz: I would define anxiety as a feeling of doubt or nervousness about the unknown. Sometimes it is an overwhelming feeling of worrying
whether you will get everything done.
Q. Have you experienced anxiety?
Mrs. Orosz: Oh yes! We all experience anxiety, especially when you have children, grandchildren, and in my case students. Something that really gives me anxiety is lockdown drills. Sometimes you have to realize that there are some things that you just cannot control.
Q. How does anxiety affect students?
Mrs. Orosz: Oh, there are so many ways anxiety affects our students. Anxiety affects students’ grades and behaviors. When they are experiencing anxiety, students tend not to perform well academically and act out in negative ways. It also affects students physically. Anxiety can cause headaches and stomachaches. Social media also is a major cause of student anxiety.
Q. What does the school do to help kids handle their anxiety?
Mrs. Orosz: We have a lot of tools to deal with anxiety. There is a guidance counselor available five days a week. We have talks with our students every Friday to check in to see how they are doing. But one thing I am most proud of is the calm and structured school culture that we have at St. Joseph. We strive to make our school a safe space and a refuge from all the chaos. Teachers are also trained to create calm environments in their classrooms.
Q. What are some strategies to help kids deal with anxiety?
Mrs. Orosz: The first thing we want our students to know is that they are not alone. Students can always talk to a trusted adult. We also encourage deep breathing, exercising, and yoga. I also find meditation and prayer is a great way to relax.
Q. What should kids and families know about the impact of anxiety.
Mrs. Orosz: I want students and parents to know that the impact of anxiety is massive. Lots of kids are currently suffering from anxiety. It is harder than ever before being a kid these days. And I really want families to know about the impact social media has on our kids.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to add?
Mrs. Orosz: If you are experiencing anxiety, please talk to a trusted adult. But most importantly, bring all of your worries to God, because He cares for you.
Illustration by Lydia, 7th grade, MaST, 2025-2026.
