IB's Stand on Untreated Severe Anxiety in Students
The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, renowned for its rigorous and challenging nature, places a significant emphasis on the mental health and well-being of its students. Recognising the importance of mental health, the IB organisation is committed to supporting students, including those with anxiety, to thrive academically and personally.
One key aspect of the IB's approach to mental health is the promotion of self-care and proactive stress management. Students are encouraged to maintain physical and mental well-being through practices such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. Additionally, the IB website offers resources on managing stress and maintaining well-being, providing students with practical guidance on coping strategies.
Peer support is another valuable resource within the IB framework. Peer interactions can provide understanding, encouragement, and practical advice, helping students feel supported and understood as they navigate their academic journeys. This support network can be particularly beneficial for students with undiagnosed anxiety, who often face unique challenges such as invisibility and the need for self-advocacy.
While the IB does not specifically outline protocols for undiagnosed anxiety, its holistic approach to mental health encourages students to manage stress proactively and utilise available support networks. However, it's essential to note that the level of support available may vary depending on individual schools' resources and counseling services.
In such cases, seeking professional help is the first step towards getting support for undiagnosed extreme anxiety. This includes talking to a school counselor, visiting a doctor, or accessing online resources like BetterHelp or Talkspace. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is also a valuable resource for information and resources on anxiety disorders.
The IB has policies such as the Inclusive Education Policy and Access and Inclusion Policy to assist students with diagnosed mental health conditions, including accommodations for exams and deadlines. However, students without a formal diagnosis may find it challenging to access the full range of support available. In such situations, communicating struggles with anxiety to teachers and school administrators, even without a formal diagnosis, and requesting informal accommodations is crucial.
Organisational skills, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and regular communication with teachers and school administrators are all essential components of managing anxiety within the IB framework. By adopting these strategies, students can navigate the challenges of the IB programme with confidence and resilience.
In summary, while the IB programme emphasises self-care, mental health awareness, and seeking support through counseling and community, direct formal accommodations for undiagnosed anxiety may depend on individual schools' resources and counseling services. Students are encouraged to build strong support systems and communicate their challenges to teachers and counselors to receive appropriate help within the IB framework.
Science and health-and-wellness intersect in the IB programme's focus on mental health, where students without a formal diagnosis are encouraged to utilize self-care strategies, such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and seek informal accommodations from teachers or school administrators when dealing with anxiety. Furthermore, along with seeking professional help from mental health organizations like BetterHelp or Talkspace, and resources like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the IB encourages students to maintain their mental health through proactive stress management and the development of organizational skills.
