Maths anxiety is a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to hold you back—especially when it comes to exams. Recognizing the signs of maths anxiety is the first step toward overcoming it and building confidence in your skills. With the right strategies and support, you can break the cycle of fear and approach math with a more positive mindset. Whether you’re preparing for a test or looking to improve your relationship with numbers, there are ways to manage anxiety and succeed.

What Is Maths Anxiety?

Maths anxiety is the fear or distress people experience when engaging in maths-related tasks. It can range from mild discomfort to overwhelming panic and goes beyond simple nerves before a test. This psychological barrier can affect cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and decision-making, often leading to avoidance and procrastination. Importantly, maths anxiety is not a reflection of a person’s actual maths ability—it can impact anyone, regardless of skill level.

Several factors contribute to maths anxiety, including negative early experiences, cultural biases, external pressure, and lack of support. Societal beliefs that only “gifted” individuals excel at maths can lead to self-doubt and avoidance, while high expectations can intensify pressure. The effects of maths anxiety are significant, particularly among girls, and can persist into adulthood, limiting career opportunities—not because of a lack of ability, but due to psychological barriers.

Signs of Maths Anxiety

Maths anxiety can manifest through both physical and psychological symptoms:

• Physical Symptoms: Rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea when faced with maths tasks.
• Psychological Symptoms: Persistent negative thoughts such as “I’m terrible at maths” or “I’ll never understand this,” leading to fear and helplessness.
• Avoidance: Actively steering clear of maths-related situations, which reinforces anxiety and hinders confidence-building.

Recognizing these signs early is key, as maths anxiety can be managed and reduced over time.

Overcoming Maths Anxiety

The good news is that maths anxiety is treatable. As Associate Professor Sue Johnston-Wilder explains, “Maths anxiety is acquired, disabling, and treatable.” A key approach to overcoming it is maths resilience, which involves developing a positive mindset toward learning maths and managing emotional barriers. This approach includes four essential components:

1. Growth Mindset: Believing that abilities can improve with effort and perseverance.

1. Recognizing the Value of Maths: Understanding the importance of Maths in both personal and societal contexts helps motivate individuals to push through their anxiety.
2. Embracing Challenges: Accepting that maths can be difficult at times and that struggle is part of the learning process.
3. Seeking Support: It’s important to find help when needed—whether through a supportive peer, educator, or online resources.

Developing maths self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to succeed in maths—is crucial. Additionally, constructive coping strategies such as relaxation techniques can help manage stress and improve confidence.

Resources for Support

If you or someone you know struggles with maths anxiety, there are plenty of resources available:

• Help Your Children Do Maths Even If You Don’t by Dr. Rosemary Russell—an excellent resource for parents.
• Websites like Dyscalculia Network and National Numeracy provide practical tools and strategies.
• The Maths Resilience Network offers workshops and evidence-based methods for overcoming maths anxiety.

Maths anxiety doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. With the right strategies and support, anyone can build confidence and develop a more positive relationship with maths.