What are the signs of math anxiety?
According to research at the University of Cambridge, a situation involving math, or even the thought of doing some math, can bring on the following symptoms for people with math anxiety:
- Feeling panicked or stressed
- Feeling flustered or struggling to concentrate on a calculation
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating and nausea
- Avoiding situations that involve math
"Maths anxiety can severely disrupt students’ performance in the subject in both primary and secondary school. But importantly - and surprisingly - this new research suggests that the majority of students experiencing maths anxiety have normal to high maths ability."
Note: "Math" is the preferred term in the United States and Canada. "Maths" is the preferred term in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and other English-speaking places.
Math confidence opens the doors to future opportunities but is elusive for many students...
As a parent of a teen diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, or depression, you know firsthand the struggles they face in highly rigorous academic settings. The relentless pressure to excel, and the unique challenges posed by their diagnoses, can make thriving in math classes feel unattainable.
Is this your experience?
- Your teen's compromised executive functions, working memory, attention, or processing speed make focusing during lengthy math lectures and study sessions a constant struggle.
- High-stakes exams and the fast pace of math classes intensify their symptoms, leading to increased frustration and repeated failures.
- Your teen constantly seeks your reassurance, supervision, and reminders to stay on task, straining your relationship and eroding their independence.
- Negative self-talk and self-criticism, fueled by anxiety, depression, or ADHD, gradually chip away at your teen's self-esteem, making it harder for them to believe in their math abilities.
- Inconsistent motivation and procrastination impact math performance, further reinforcing the cycle of self-doubt and poor grades.
If this sounds painfully familiar, you're not alone. Many parents watch helplessly as their bright, capable teens struggle to build the math confidence that opens doors to future success.
STAGE 1
"I don't know if my teen needs a math tutor or a math anxiety expert."
Use this free checklist to find out! No more wasted time on ineffective solutions or practices that cause more frustration.
Plus, the checklist is a great conversation starter for you and your teen. Access the checklist here
STAGE 2
"I think I see signs of math anxiety, but WHY? What is triggering my teen?"
Ask your teen to take our free Math Anxiety Self-Test. The more students understand their math challenges, the more proactive they are in finding solutions that improve math performance and build confidence. Access the self-test here
STAGE 3
"My teen has math anxiety and I have more information about what's triggering my teen. Now what?"
Watch our free on-demand parent training to uncover a simple game plan to build math confidence, genius test prep, and the best way to support your teen. Access the video training here
PARENTS! TEENS RARELY TALK ABOUT THEIR MATH ANXIETY
Use this graphic booklet and accompanying video to start the discussion. You can review it together or have your teen work solo.
More Resources to Build Math Confidence
&
Conquer Math Anxiety...
What are your questions related to math anxiety? Use the link to submit questions. (Note: You will leave this site when you click the link below.)
Math Anxiety's Silent Sabotage: Passive Learning Strategies That Undermine Your Teen's Chances of Attending Their Dream College
Education Week, March 2022 Sarah Sparks
This is not surprising, as the very thing that students need to do to improve their math learning (solve practice problems and dig into confusing concepts) often leaves students feeling inadequate and anxious. Concrete, bite-size steps, self-reflection, and coaching help move students past these feelings so they can excel in math and open doors to their dream colleges.
