Master Math, Not Your Anxiety: Effective Solutions from Math Me Up!

Do you experience sweats of fear before taking a Math Test? Do numbers, fractions and geometrical figures feel like giant problems to you? Millions of students dislike math and run away from practising their lessons. This intense fear is known as ‘Math Phobia’ or ‘Math Anxiety’.

What causes Math Anxiety?

Negative Past Experiences

Previous struggles in understanding math concepts can lead to anxiety about future math tasks.

Time Pressure and Timed Tests

The pressure of solving mathematical problems under timing restrictions can contribute to math anxiety.

Influence of Teacher and Authority Figures

If a teacher expresses negativity, impatience, or a lack of enthusiasm for the subject, it can transfer to the students.

Societal and Cultural Stereotypes

Societal and cultural stereotypes, particularly the notion that math is a "male-dominated" field, can also contribute to math anxiety.


What are the effects of Math Anxiety?

Hindering Work Memory

Math anxiety hinders working memory. Working memory is a crucial brain function that enables individuals to withhold and manipulate information during problem-solving tasks.

Low Confidence

Math anxiety often manifests as low confidence in one's mathematical abilities. Students with math anxiety may doubt their skills and potential, even if they have the necessary aptitude to succeed in math.

Avoidance of Math

People with high math anxiety tend to avoid math-related tasks, courses, and career paths. They may opt out of elective math courses in high school and college, choose majors that do not emphasize math, and pursue careers that minimize the need for mathematical skills.

Low Grades

Math anxiety can directly impact academic performance, leading to lower grades in math classes and on standardized tests. Students with math anxiety may struggle to demonstrate their true potential due to the debilitating effects of anxiety on cognitive processing.

Career Limitations

Avoiding math-intensive fields can significantly limit career options and opportunities for advancement. Many high-paying and in-demand careers, such as engineering, finance, and technology, require strong mathematical skills. By shying away from these fields due to math anxiety, individuals may miss out on fulfilling and lucrative career paths.

How can you cope with Math Anxiety?

1. Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to math-related situations, starting with low-pressure tasks and gradually increasing the difficulty. This approach helps desensitize the individual to anxiety-provoking stimuli and builds confidence in their ability to handle math-related challenges.

2. Relaxation Techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation, can help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms. These techniques activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calm and reduces the physiological symptoms of anxiety.

3. Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations

Replacing negative self-talk with positive affirmations can boost self-confidence and resilience in the face of math-related challenges. Individuals can practice positive self-talk by acknowledging their progress, celebrating small successes, and reframing mistakes as learning opportunities.

4. Seeking Support and Resources

Seeking support from teachers, tutors, or math anxiety support groups can provide individuals with the guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to overcome their fears. Collaborating with others who share similar experiences can help individuals feel less alone and more motivated to confront their math anxiety.

Do you struggle with Mathematics Phobia? You're not alone! Many people experience fear or apprehension around math. If this resonates with you, click here and check out how Math Me Up can help you!