From Mr. Olszewski: "I thought it would be helpful to develop a series of podcasts that focus on the specific symptoms of each type, along with the most common school-based techniques that I use directly with students to help reduce the severity of their anxiety. Although there are many different types of anxiety treatments, including therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication, I have provided multiple strategies and coping skills a student can use anywhere, but specifically when they are in school. My hope is that high school students will listen and become familiar with a few practical strategies, which they can practice and implement to help reduce their level of anxiety." 

The Anxious Generation Book Summary (Episode 5)

In this episode, the New Hope Solebury School District’s secondary school counselors and social workers discuss their thoughts on the book, The Anxious Generation, by Dr. Jonathan Haidt.  The Anxious Generation examines the growing mental health crisis among today’s youth. Dr. Haidt highlights how a decline in play through overprotective parenting and a culture of safety reduces the opportunities for young people to develop resilience. Dr. Haidt then explains how the increased phone use among children, especially due to the impact of social media, has significantly and directly increased their level of anxiety and depression and shows how boys and girls are impacted very differently.  Finally, the author urges collective actions that governments, schools, and parents can incorporate to promote critical thinking in kids to combat their increasing levels of anxiety and depression.

Natural Solutions to Boost Mood and Reduce Depression (Episode 4)

In this episode Mr. O will cover the topic of natural ways to boost mood and reduce depression. General information about depression will be provided along with criteria to meet a depression diagnosis. Specific strategies and techniques will be discussed to improve mood and reduce depression symptoms if traditional therapy and medication is not accessible.  Topics include increasing physical activity, eliminating the automatic negative thoughts, sleep hygiene, limiting screen time, diet and nutrition, supplements, gratitude, and mindfulness meditation. The skills and techniques can be adapted and used for anyone looking to improve their mood and reduce depression symptoms

School-Based Strategies for Test Anxiety (Episode 3)

In this episode Sarah Reeder, College and Career Readiness Counselor, and I cover the topic of test anxiety along with the common symptoms experienced by students. We discuss specific strategies and techniques that are effective to reduce the overall level of test anxiety. The strategies presented include preparation, addressing underlying anxiety, visualization techniques, the physiological sigh breathing exercise, and dealing with automatic negative thoughts. The skills and techniques are provided to students for use while in school, but the strategies can be applied in most other settings as well.

School-Based Strategies for Panic Attacks (Episode 2)

In this episode Sarah Reeder, College and Career Readiness Counselor, and I cover the most common symptoms of panic attacks along with the various phases and timelines of a panic cycle. We discuss specific strategies and techniques that are effective to reduce the overall level of panic. The strategies presented include focusing on underlying anxiety, remaining in the environment and accepting the panic attack, the physiological sigh breathing exercise, normalizing the panic symptoms and dealing with automatic negative thoughts. The skills and techniques are provided to students for use while in school, but the strategies can be applied in most other settings as well.

School-Based Strategies for Generalized Anxiety (Episode 1)

In this episode Sarah Reeder, College and Career Readiness Counselor, and I cover the most common symptoms of generalized anxiety along with the difference between stress and anxiety. We discuss specific strategies and techniques that are effective to reduce the level of general anxiety someone may experience. The strategies presented include breathing exercises and the physiological sigh, mindfulness, body scan and dealing with automatic negative thoughts. The skills and techniques are provided to students for use while in school, but the strategies can be applied in most other settings as well.

An NHSD school social worker, Mr. Doug Olszewski is a licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience providing counseling supports for students in grades K-12. Most of his career has focused on high school-aged students, where he has worked with many students who have anxiety-related issues that impact their academic potential, social opportunities, and their participation and performance in extracurriculars, including sports and music. The most common anxiety related issues students may experience fall into one or more of the following categories: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks and Test Anxiety.