What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is normal but sometimes it can get in the way of enjoying life.

• Have you ever had feelings of worry and stress that get in the way or won’t go away?
• Do you ever you feel that things are spiralling out of control and getting on top of you?
• Do you ever feel like you are making excuses and avoiding situations and places?

Don’t panic…

• Around 1 in 6 young people will experience anxiety problems at some point.
• Unless we deal with anxiety in more positive ways it can impact upon our day to day living and quality of life.
• Help is available

Experiencing Anxiety

There are different types of anxiety:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): makes doing everyday things difficult.
• Panic attacks:These are events that can cause one or all of the following; rapid breathing, a racing heart, feeling sick, sweaty, panicky and feeling like you need to get out of the situation. These attacks are unpredictable and may last for seconds or minutes.
• Phobias: feeling fearful about one or more things in particular. The thing that you might be most anxious about may not be dangerous or troublesome to anyone else but can make you feel really nervous, panicky or scared.
• Separation anxiety: Feeling anxious or worried when you are away from your parents/family/carers. This is OK when you are very little, however if you are still struggling with this now you are older it could make it difficult for you to socialise.
• Social anxiety : This can be explained as extreme shyness, you may feel as though people judge you negatively which can lead to you avoiding people.
• Obsessions/ compulsions 

There are 3 main parts to this:

1. 1. The thoughts that make you anxious (obsessions)
   2. Anxiety you feel
   3. Things that you do to reduce that anxiety (compulsions)

Have you read?

• Signs and symptoms of anxiety
• What causes worries and anxieties?
• 4 ways to calm yourself when feeling anxious
• Behaviour, thoughts and feelings: Tom’s story

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: Childline- Anxiety
  
• w: Young Minds- Anxiety