ANXIETY

Anxiety is a normal reaction. We all experience anxiety when we are worried, afraid, or tensed.  However, anxiety is more than just feeling worried afraid, or tense. 

Anxiety becomes a problem when it starts to affect your everyday life or prevents you from doing the things you would normally do; it might be a sign of a mental health problem.

When is the anxiety a problem?

Anxiety is a problem when it gets in the way of:

• Your everyday things like talking to people
• You being around your family and friends
• You going to school and concentrating
• You doing the fun things you like. 

How do I know if what I’m feeling is anxiety?

If you have anxiety you might feel the following:

• Fear that bad things will happen
• Nervous or on-edge all the time
• Panic or feeling ‘out of control’
• Fearful of going places or doing things

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety disorders can be caused by the following factors

• Losing a parent
• Exhaustion or a buildup of stress
• Long working hours
• Being out of work
• Feeling under pressure while studying or at work
• Having money problems
• Homelessness or housing problems
• Losing someone close to you
• Feeling lonely or isolated
• Being bullied, harassed, or abused.
• Being bullied or being socially excluded.

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?

When you have anxiety you may also experience some physical symptoms like:

• Trouble catching your breath
• Pounding heart
• Dizziness, headaches
• Sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble concentrating
• Feel tense or sore
• Feel tired or very awake

What can I do to manage anxiety?

Here are some things you can do to manage anxiety:

• Learn and read about anxiety
• Stay away from drugs and alcohol
• Replace anxious thoughts with positive ones
• Learn how to relax
• Eat healthily and exercise
• Find out what makes you anxious so you know when it’s likely to pop up
• Talk to a trusted friend, adult, or family 
• Seek help from a professional counselor 

If you're worried about your anxieties, it's important to seek help as soon as possible.

Talking with someone can really help. You’re not alone, support is always available. Reach out to a counselor for support.