Anxiety Unmasked: Your Superpower Guide Script

Warm Up: How Do You Feel? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To start our day, I want you to take a moment and check in with yourselves. On your desk, you'll find a small piece of paper. I want you to either write down one word that describes how you're feeling right now, or draw a quick emoji that represents your current mood. No need to share out loud, this is just for you to acknowledge your feelings as we start our lesson. We'll revisit these feelings later. You have about two minutes for this."

(Allow students to complete the warm-up. Collect papers if desired or have them keep them for later reflection.)

Introduction to Anxiety (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, everyone, let's turn our attention to the screen. Today, we're going to talk about a feeling that everyone experiences at some point, but it's not always easy to understand: anxiety."

(Display Slide 2: What is Anxiety? and Slide 3: Anxiety vs. Just Being Scared of the slide deck.)

Teacher: "As you can see, anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It's often about something with an uncertain outcome. Think about it: have you ever had that fluttery feeling in your stomach before a big test, or felt nervous before trying out for a team? That's anxiety! It's a completely natural human emotion, and our bodies are actually designed to feel it sometimes. It's our brain's way of trying to keep us safe by making us aware of potential 'dangers' or challenges."

Teacher: "Now, let's clarify something important. Sometimes people confuse anxiety with just being scared. Being scared is usually a quick reaction to an immediate danger – like if a ball suddenly flies towards your head, you flinch! Anxiety, however, can be a feeling of worry that lasts longer, and sometimes it even happens when there's no immediate danger right in front of you. It's more about anticipating a potential problem. Any initial thoughts or questions about this distinction?"

Understanding Anxiety: Symptoms & Triggers (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now, let's explore how anxiety can show up in our bodies and minds."

(Display Slide 4: How Does Anxiety Feel? of the slide deck.)

Teacher: "When you feel anxious, your body might react in certain ways. You might notice your heart beating faster, or your hands getting a little sweaty. Maybe your stomach feels a bit upset, or you feel restless and can't sit still. These are all physical signs that your body is responding to a feeling of anxiety."

Teacher: "Mentally and emotionally, anxiety can also make us feel a certain way. We might feel really worried or nervous, have trouble concentrating in class, or feel a bit irritable. Sometimes, it can even make it hard to fall asleep at night. Has anyone ever experienced any of these feelings? You don't have to share specifics, but just a nod if you recognize some of these."

(Pause for a moment, allowing students to reflect.)

Teacher: "Next, let's think about what can trigger these feelings. What kind of situations or events might cause someone to feel anxious?"

(Display Slide 5: Common Triggers of the slide deck.)

Teacher: "Some common triggers for anxiety, especially for middle schoolers, can include schoolwork, big tests or presentations, or even social situations like meeting new people or going to a party. Changes at home or school, or trying something new, can also be triggers. It's important to remember that what triggers anxiety in one person might not affect another, and that's perfectly normal. What are some other things that you think might cause someone to feel anxious?"

(Facilitate a brief discussion, writing student suggestions on the board if appropriate.)

Anxiety Toolbox Activity (10 minutes)

Teacher: "So, we know what anxiety is and how it can feel. Now for the really important part: what can we do about it? Just like a carpenter has a toolbox full of tools to build things, you can build your own 'Anxiety Toolbox' – a collection of strategies you can use to help manage those anxious feelings and feel calmer."

(Display Slide 6: Your Anxiety Toolbox of the slide deck.)

Teacher: "I'm going to hand out a worksheet called the Anxiety Toolbox Activity. On this sheet, you'll see a space to list and describe different coping strategies. We're going to go through a few examples together, and then you'll have some time to add your own ideas."

(Distribute the Anxiety Toolbox Activity. Display Slide 7: Coping Strategy: Deep Breathing.)

Teacher: "First up: Deep Breathing. When we're anxious, our breathing often becomes shallow and fast. Deep breathing helps to signal to our brain that we're safe and can calm our nervous system. Let's try it together. Breathe in slowly through your nose for 4 counts... hold for 4 counts... and breathe out slowly through your mouth for 6 counts. Let's do that two more times. You can write down 'Deep Breathing' on your worksheet and a quick note about how it helps."

(Lead the breathing exercise. Display Slide 8: Coping Strategy: Grounding Techniques.)

Teacher: "Another great tool is Grounding Techniques. When your mind is racing with anxious thoughts, grounding helps bring you back to the present moment. The 5-4-3-2-1 Method is a powerful one: silently list 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Let's all take a moment to try this silently now. You can then add 'Grounding Techniques' to your toolbox."

(Allow a moment for students to practice grounding. Display Slide 9: Coping Strategy: Movement.)

Teacher: "Next, Movement. Physical activity is fantastic for releasing anxious energy and even releasing chemicals in your brain that make you feel good! Going for a walk, stretching, dancing to your favorite song, or playing a sport are all great options. What are some ways you like to move your body? Add 'Movement' to your list."

(Briefly discuss student ideas. Display Slide 10: Coping Strategy: Talk About It.)

Teacher: "Finally, and this is a really important one: Talk About It. It's so important to share how you're feeling with someone you trust. This could be a parent or guardian, a teacher, a school counselor, or another trusted adult. Sharing your feelings can make them feel less overwhelming, and that adult can help you figure out next steps. Who are some trusted adults you could talk to? Write 'Talk About It' on your sheet."

(Allow students a few minutes to complete their Anxiety Toolbox Activity worksheets, adding any other strategies they can think of.)

My Anxiety Journal (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Excellent work on your anxiety toolboxes! Now, we're going to take a few minutes for some personal reflection. I'm handing out My Anxiety Journal. This journal is a private space for you to think about your own experiences with anxiety and the strategies we discussed today."

(Distribute My Anxiety Journal. Display Slide 11: When to Seek Help.)

Teacher: "While you're reflecting, I want to emphasize something crucial. If anxiety is happening very often, if it's making it hard for you to go to school, enjoy activities, sleep, or eat, then it's really important to talk to a trusted adult. That adult can help you find more support, like a school counselor or even a doctor who can offer specialized guidance. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

(Allow students a few minutes to begin writing in their journals. Display Slide 12: You Are Not Alone!.)

Cool Down: One Big Takeaway (5 minutes)

Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson today, I want everyone to complete a quick Cool Down: One Big Takeaway. On the paper I'm handing out, please write down one important thing you learned today about anxiety or one coping strategy you plan to try."

(Distribute Cool Down: One Big Takeaway papers.)

Teacher: "Remember, many people experience anxiety, and it's absolutely okay to ask for help. You have people who care about you and want to support you. Thank you for your thoughtful participation today."

How Do You Feel? Warm Up

Take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling right now?

Write one word or draw an emoji that describes your current mood in the space below.

This is just for you to acknowledge your feelings as we start our lesson today.

Your Anxiety Toolbox

Just like a carpenter has tools to build, you can have tools to help manage your anxiety! These are strategies you can use to feel calmer and more in control.


## Instructions:

1. As we discuss different coping strategies, write them down in your toolbox below.
2. For each strategy, briefly describe what it is and how it helps you feel calmer.
3. Think of any other healthy coping strategies you use or have heard of, and add them to your toolbox!

My Anxiety Toolbox

Tool 1: Deep Breathing

What it is:

How it helps:

Tool 2: Grounding Techniques (5-4-3-2-1 Method)

What it is:

How it helps:

Tool 3: Movement

What it is:

How it helps:

Tool 4: Talk About It

What it is:

How it helps:

My Own Tool 5:

What it is:

How it helps:

My Own Tool 6:

What it is:

How it helps:

My Anxiety Journal

This journal is a private space for you to reflect on your own experiences with anxiety and the strategies we discussed today. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest thoughts and feelings.

Prompt 1: Understanding My Anxiety

Think about a time when you felt anxious. What did it feel like in your body and mind? What was happening around you that might have triggered those feelings?

Prompt 2: My Favorite Tools

From the strategies we discussed (like deep breathing, grounding, movement, or talking to someone), which one do you think you might try first? Why does that particular strategy appeal to you?

Prompt 3: Who Can Help?

It's important to know who you can talk to when you're feeling anxious. List one or two trusted adults in your life (at home, at school, or in your community) who you could reach out to for support.

One Big Takeaway Cool Down

To wrap up our lesson, please write down one important thing you learned today about anxiety or one coping strategy you plan to try in the space below.

Thank you for your thoughtful participation today!