Student Voices on Anxiety: Invicta Ambassadors Share Powerful Coping Tools

As part of the Rewrite Your Story Ambassador Project, students at Invicta Grammar School have created two impactful and creative videos addressing the topic of anxiety—a struggle faced by so many young people today.

Their message is heartfelt, clear, and empowering:
👉 “You are not alone, and there are tools you can use to manage anxiety when it starts to take over.”

💡 What the Videos Show

In the first video, students present relatable examples of anxiety in everyday situations—exams, school pressure, and social stress—and then demonstrate practical calming techniques. They use gentle music, minimal dialogue, and on-screen prompts to guide viewers through effective exercises, making the video accessible for both neurotypical and neurodiverse students.

The second video builds on this with a creative visual narrative and voiceover that walks the viewer through an anxiety episode. It introduces supportive thoughts and reminders such as:

🗨️ “Take a deep breath. Focus on what you can control.”
🗨️ “You’ve been through this before, and you’ve survived it.”

Together, the videos create a powerful and compassionate learning tool—by young people, for young people.

🧘‍♀️ Coping Techniques Featured

✅ Box Breathing (Four-Square Breathing)

Used by therapists and even elite performers, this method is simple and effective:

Breathe in for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Breathe out for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Repeat until your body starts to calm.

✅ The 3-3-3 Technique

This grounding technique brings you into the present moment:

Name 3 things you see
Name 3 things you hear
Move 3 parts of your body

It’s a fantastic go-to when feeling overwhelmed or stuck in anxious thoughts.

🧠 Why This Project Matters

Anxiety is the most common mental health concern among young people, with 1 in 6 children aged 5–16 experiencing a probable mental health condition (NHS Digital, 2022). What makes this project exceptional is how the students have owned the narrative—creating videos that are not only relatable but genuinely useful.

They’ve demonstrated empathy, creativity, and leadership in helping their peers feel understood and supported. This is what the Ambassador Programme is all about: empowering young people to support each other with practical tools and shared experiences.

🔗 Watch and Share

🎬 View the student videos

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🌱 Want Support for Your School?

Would your school or college benefit from a similar project or visit from our therapy dog Nigel and his counsellor-owner Donna?
📩 Get in touch via Rewrite Your Story (connect@rewriteyourstory.org.uk) to explore workshops, wellbeing visits, or support starting your own Ambassador Programme.

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