ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mathematical anxiety

Mathematical anxiety is when someone feels really scared, nervous or stressed out when it comes to doing math.

Just like how some people can be afraid of spiders or heights, some people can be afraid of math. It can make them feel really uncomfortable and worried, which can make it harder for them to learn and do well in math classes.

This anxiety can be caused by different things. It can be because someone had a really bad experience with math in the past, or because they don't understand a particular concept and feel like they're not good at it. It could also be because they're worried about meeting high expectations from teachers or parents.

If you're ever feeling anxious about math, it's important to talk to someone about it. You can talk to your teacher, a tutor or a parent. They can help you figure out what's causing the anxiety and help you find ways to feel more comfortable with math. This could be things like practicing more, breaking down problems into smaller pieces to understand them better, or just taking some deep breaths to calm down.

Remember, math can be tough, but it's okay to struggle with it sometimes. Everyone learns at their own pace and it's important to keep trying and working hard.