Mental Health Awareness 18-24th May 2020 - Anxiety

Mental Health Awareness 18-24th May 2020 - Anxiety

by Leanne Kindley -
Number of replies: 0

Mental health awareness week is 18-24th May this year and the theme is Kindness. Over the next few weeks Futureworks will be raising awareness of Mental Health.

Today's post will be focusing on anxiety, understanding what anxiety is, what are the symptoms, how it can affect people differently and what types of anxiety disorders are out there. These posts are to raise awareness about mental health conditions and for you to gain an understanding of what you or others may be going through.

If you have any questions about these posts or would like to talk to somebody about your own mental health please contact: support@futureworks.ac.uk 

mha


What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal, human feeling of panic or fear. When we face stressful situations it can set off an alarm in our brains which tells us that something isn't right and that we need to deal with it. Most of us worry about things like friendship, money and work and feel anxious when we are under stress like exams or around deadline time but afterwards we usually calm down and feel better. But, when you're not in a stressful situation and you still feel worried or panicky that's when anxiety can become a problem. 

Somatic (physical) symptoms of Anxiety:

  • Increased heart rate / blood pressure
  • Feeling flushed
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Restlessness
  • Inability to relax
  • Butterflies
Cognitive symptoms of Anxiety:
  • Indecisive
  • Negative thoughts
  • Irritable
  • Images of failure
  • Frightened
  • Unable to take instructions
  • Poor concentration
  • Feeling of panic
  • Reduce focus / concentration
  • Confusion
  • Mind racing
  • mind blank
  • Vivid dreams
Behavioral symptoms of Anxiety:
  • Distress in situations
  • Compulsive behaviour
  • Avoidance of situations
  • Talking quicker
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Fidgeting
  • Biting nails
  • Covering face with hands
  • Change in sleep pattern 
People sharing their stories on Anxiety 
Anxiety - Young minds 
Anxiety - Mind Charity 
Understanding Anxiety 

Treating Anxiety 
Living with anxiety can be quite difficult but there are a quite a few things you can do to help manage anxiety. One or a combination of these methods may work for you. Anxiety can affect everybody in different ways therefore one method may work for one person but not another. 

1. Self Help / Self-Care

  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Look after your physical health
  • Keep a diary / reflect upon the diary
  • Go for a walk
  • Unplug for an hour / come off social media
  • Try to manage your worries - It can be hard to stop worrying about things when you have anxiety. You might have worries you can't control or that bad things might happen if you stop worrying about them. There a few things you can try.
    - Set aside a specific time to focus on your worries, so you can re-assure yourself that you haven't stopped worrying about them but they are at a side time during the day or week.
    - Write down your worries and put them in a specific place, for example a jar. 
  • Mindfulness / Meditation -  there are apps such as Calm, Headspace, Stop breathe think, or mindu 
2. Talk to your GP - There may be medication that your doctor suggests to try

3. Therapy - Talking therapy can help you get to the root of what is causing your anxiety. With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the therapist will work with you to understand your thoughts and feelings. You will also learn practical techniques to help you cope with anxiety and cope with every day situations. 

Coping techniques for when you feel anxious
How to make a self-sooth box 
How I cope with panic attacks 
Tips for coping with social anxiety 
What to do if seeing friends or family makes you anxious 
Coping with anxiety at university 

There are many different types of Anxiety Disorders, below list some of the most common anxiety disorders. Click on the link to find out more about the symptoms

Who to contact?

  • Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free 24/7 crisis support. Text YM to 85258
  • No Panic are the people to call if you are experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, OCD or other anxiety disorders 
    Helpline: 0844 967 4848 (daily 10am-10pm)
    Youth helpline (aged 13-20 years old): 0330 606 1174 (Monday - Friday 3pm-6pm)
    In a crisis? Having a panic attack? Call 01952 680 835 (24hrs - recording of breathing exercises)
  • Childline - If you are under 19 you can confidentially call, email or talk online about any problem you may be having 
    Helpline: 0800 1111 
  • The Mix - If you are under 25 you can contact them free via phone, online chat or email
    Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm daily)
  • Anxiety UK 
    Helpline: 03444 775 774
    Text Service: 07537 416 905

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