The Ultimate Guide to Maths Anxiety and What You Can Really Do About It

Maths anxiety is trauma. It's not just a dislike for maths or finding it hard—it's a genuine psychological and emotional reaction that can block the brain from functioning at its best. For many, it starts in early school years and, if not addressed, can persist into adulthood, impacting not just academic performance but also life opportunities and confidence.

This comprehensive guide explores what maths anxiety is, how it affects more than just maths, how it manifests in real-life situations like exams, and most importantly, what you can do about it. We'll also look at one of the most promising treatments for resolving the root causes of maths anxiety: EMDR therapy.

What is Maths Anxiety?

Maths anxiety is a symptom of performance anxiety which stems from many mini traumas. It can cause a

person to feel intense nervousness, self-doubt, and even physical symptoms such as sweating or a racing heart when faced with a difficult task. While it's often thought of as a problem among those who are "not good at maths," it can affect high-achieving students too. Even those who are capable of doing the work may feel overwhelmed by the pressure and fear of failure. A classic symptom of maths anxiety is the inability to complete exam questions on time.

This anxiety often begins with one or more negative experiences around maths. Perhaps a child was embarrassed when answering a question wrong in front of the class, or maybe a well-meaning teacher or parent applied too much pressure. These moments can seem minor at the time but can accumulate as "mini traumas" that shape the brain's future reactions.

It's Not Just About Maths

One of the lesser-known aspects of maths anxiety is that it's not always limited to maths. The same emotional response can be triggered in other subjects that feel mentally taxing or require precise answers. History, English literature, or even subjects like science can become battlegrounds for anxiety if the underlying issues are not addressed.

Take English literature, for example. If a child is asked to analyse a complex poem or write an essay under time pressure, the same freeze response seen in maths anxiety can occur. Similarly, a history test that requires remembering dates and constructing coherent arguments under exam conditions may evoke the same panic. The problem isn't always the subject itself—it's the body's response to perceived academic threat.

How Maths Anxiety Manifests in Exams

One of the most visible and damaging impacts of maths anxiety is during exams. Picture a child who knows the content, has studied thoroughly, but the moment the paper lands on their desk, their mind goes blank. They freeze. They over correct. They begin to stimm (e.g. wobble a leg furiously or tap unconsciously to gain comfort) and and the negative messages of disbelief in their own abilities kicks in.

It takes a while to recover. Minutes have ticked by, while they stare at the first question, unable to move forward.

This happens because anxiety activates the fight-flight-freeze response in the brain. Rather than thinking clearly and logically, the child is focused on survival. Time is wasted in these frozen moments, and once the brain "unfreezes," the pressure of having lost time adds to the anxiety. This cycle can repeat itself several times during one exam. The student may end up not finishing the paper or rushing through it, making errors they wouldn’t usually make.

In subjects like English literature or history, the same thing can occur. The student starts with a plan to write a well-structured answer, but anxiety causes multiple interruptions in their thought process. They second-guess themselves, re-read the question repeatedly, and lose momentum.

"Maths anxiety is a collection of mini traumas which have gathered into a big problem. Its trauma of a thousand cuts"

Over time, repeated experiences like these not only hurt academic performance but also chip away at self-esteem. Students begin to compare to peers and internalise beliefs like "I'm just not smart enough" or "I'm terrible at exams," which further fuels the anxiety.

The Ultimate Remedy: EMDR Therapy

Maths anxiety is a symptom of trauma. So trauma therapy is required. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy developed to treat trauma. While it is best known for its use in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is increasingly being applied to anxiety-related issues, including phobias, public speaking fears, and now, maths anxiety.

EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. During a session, the therapist asks the client to recall a traumatic or anxiety-inducing memory while following a pattern of bilateral stimulation, usually through eye movements, taps, or sounds.

In the context of maths anxiety, EMDR targets the small but impactful traumas that have built up over time—being told off in class, getting a test result back with a low mark, feelings of shame, or being compared to peers. While these might seem insignificant, to a child they can be deeply distressing and formative.

You can try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness, but Tracey Brittain, a leading EMDR therapist based in Harley Street, says from her experience these are often ineffective. When anxiety hijacks the sympathetic nervous system, the person suffering wont even have the front of lobe thought to remember to use these exercises. According to Tracey, the only effective treatment found in research and her clinical practise in such cases is to see a therapist for EMDR or Brainspotting, both of which directly address the root of the trauma and regulate the nervous system at its core.

By reprocessing these memories, EMDR helps remove the emotional intensity attached to them. Clients often report feeling more neutral about their past experiences and less reactive in similar situations in the future. This shift can open the door to more productive learning and a healthier academic self-image.

Evidence of EMDR’s Effectiveness

While EMDR for maths anxiety is a relatively new application, there is growing support for its use in educational contexts. For example, a case study published by the NHS showed a marked reduction in presentation anxiety following EMDR therapy. The client reported feeling calmer and more confident in public speaking scenarios, a close cousin to test anxiety.

If anxiety can be lessened in one high-pressure scenario, it stands to reason that it can be addressed in others. The advantage of EMDR is that it doesn’t rely on conscious reasoning alone; instead, it works at a neurological level to break old patterns and forge new ones.

After EMDR children have shown to complete exams on time because the anxiety attacks have been removed. Particularly if they have a neurodiverse condition. Post treatment clients have also increased in confidence as a result.

Tracey Brittain: A Leading EMDR Therapist in Harley Street

Tracey Brittain is a highly experienced EMDR therapist operating out of Harley Street, London. She is well-known in the field of trauma recovery and mental health and has a particular interest in academic and performance-related anxiety. Tracey has helped countless clients overcome barriers caused by past negative experiences and return to learning environments with renewed confidence.

Her practice, www.emdrharleyst.com, specialises in EMDR and Brainspotting, offering cutting-edge therapeutic support to those struggling with anxiety, trauma, and academic stress. If you're searching for high-quality counselling Harley Street offers, Tracey's practice is a leading option.

What You Can Do Next

If you suspect your child (or you yourself) is experiencing maths anxiety, consider the following steps:

Explore EMDR or Brainspotting therapy. If traditional methods aren't resolving the issue, find a licensed therapist who offers counselling Harley Street practices like Tracey Brittain's.
Celebrate small wins. Each step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Building confidence takes time.

Final Thoughts

Maths anxiety can seem like an immovable barrier, but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. Whether it appears in the form of blanking out in exams, avoiding homework, or feeling panicked at the mere mention of numbers, it is a real and valid experience that deserves attention.

More importantly, it is treatable. With understanding, the right support, and powerful interventions like EMDR or Brainspotting, students can not only overcome maths anxiety but begin to enjoy the subject again. They can reclaim lost time, rebuild their academic confidence, and approach exams with calm and clarity.

So, if you're looking for the ultimate remedy, look beyond worksheets and tutoring. Consider going deeper, to the emotional core of the problem. With the right help from professionals offering counselling Harley Street is known for, maths anxiety can become ja thing of the past.

Contact Details

Tracey Brittain Therapy

Fully accredited EMDR and Brainspotting Therapist

Ten Harley Street, London

Website: www.emdrharleyst.com

Email: Admin@emdrharleyst.com

Phone: 020 3858 0688