What is a common mental health issue that school social workers help address?

Anxiety disorders are indeed a common mental health issue that school social workers frequently address in their practice. These disorders can manifest in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Many students experience anxiety related to academic pressures, social interactions, and transitions, all of which can significantly impact their functioning and overall well-being.

School social workers play a crucial role in identifying students experiencing anxiety, providing support and interventions, and facilitating access to resources that help students manage their symptoms. They often implement strategies such as individual counseling, social skills training, and relaxation techniques, as well as educating students, parents, and staff about anxiety to foster a supportive school environment.

The other options, while they are important issues, are less commonly addressed on a day-to-day basis in the school setting. Eating disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance abuse problems, though significant, tend to involve more specialized interventions and may not be as prevalent among the general school population as anxiety disorders.