Anxiety A FEELING OF APPREHENSION AND FEAR CHARACTERIZED

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Anxiety A FEELING OF APPREHENSION AND FEAR CHARACTERIZED BY PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS SUCH AS A

Anxiety A FEELING OF APPREHENSION AND FEAR CHARACTERIZED BY PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS SUCH AS A FASTER HEARTBEAT, RAPID BREATHING, TENSE MUSCLES, SWEATY PALMS, AND A QUEASY STOMACH.

I feel overwhelmed…

I feel overwhelmed…

What is anxiety? ? ? Anxiety can be described as a sense of: •

What is anxiety? ? ? Anxiety can be described as a sense of: • Uneasiness • Nervousness • Worry • Fear • Dread While fear is the emotion we feel in the presence of threat, anxiety is a sense of anticipated danger, trouble or threat

Types of Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans and is now considered to

Types of Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million Americans and is now considered to be the #1 most common mental disorder. Anxiety disorders are REAL, common, and TREATABLE. Five types of Anxiety disorders: Panic Disorder Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder Treatable illness primarily defined by a person having frequent panic attacks. Characterized

Panic Disorder Treatable illness primarily defined by a person having frequent panic attacks. Characterized by sudden attacks of terror and produce a sense of unreality, a fear of impending doom, or a fear of losing control. Panic attacks may come “out of the blue, ” with no logical or visible cause, so people may feel like they are having a heart attack, losing their minds, or on the verge of death. Panic Disorder is one of the most treatable anxiety disorders.

People With Panic Disorder Have: Sudden and repeated attacks of fear A feeling of

People With Panic Disorder Have: Sudden and repeated attacks of fear A feeling of being out of control during a panic attack A feeling that things are not real An intense worry about when the next attack will happen A fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past.

Symptoms of Panic Attacks Pounding heart chest pains Sweating Trembling Shaking Nausea Shortness of

Symptoms of Panic Attacks Pounding heart chest pains Sweating Trembling Shaking Nausea Shortness of breath Sensations of choking Chills Stomach pains Numbness Dizziness Hot flashes Fear of losing control Feeling “unreal” Fear of dying

Phobias A phobia is a deep-seated fear that is irrational, distressing and disruptive to

Phobias A phobia is a deep-seated fear that is irrational, distressing and disruptive to a person’s life. Phobias are treatable. There are three main types of phobias: Specific Phobia Social Phobia Agoraphobia

Specific Phobia is an extreme fear of a particular object or situation that is

Specific Phobia is an extreme fear of a particular object or situation that is generally not harmful Include well-known fears such as: Claustrophobia – fear of confined spaces Acrophobia – fear of heights Zoophobia – fear of animals, particularly dogs These fears may greatly impact a person’s ability to function at school, work, or home.

Social Phobia Social phobia is a fear of being watched, embarrassed, judged, or humiliated

Social Phobia Social phobia is a fear of being watched, embarrassed, judged, or humiliated while doing something in public. Also known as social anxiety disorder May include instances such as having a fear of public speaking It is an extreme fear that can be so strong in some instances that a person cannot perform the task that is feared.

Agoraphobia is the fear of places from which “escape” might be difficult, such as

Agoraphobia is the fear of places from which “escape” might be difficult, such as being in a crowd or standing in a line. In severe cases, agoraphobia can keep a person from leaving his or her home without help or only with extreme distress.

Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent, upsetting thoughts or images

Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent, upsetting thoughts or images (obsessions) and use rituals (compulsions) to control the anxiety. A person with OCD finds his or her life being consumed with the obsessions that cannot be controlled without treatment. They then engage in repetitive, ritualistic compulsions to combat the anxiety caused by the obsessions. Examples: constant hand washing, checking and rechecking, following rigid procedural rules, hoarding.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after a traumatic event that involved

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after a traumatic event that involved physical or emotional harm to an individual, a loved one, or a person who witnessed a harmful event that happened to a loved one or stranger Examples include rape, torture, kidnapping, child abuse, car accidents, death of a loved one, or natural disasters. A person with PTSD experiences nightmares and flashbacks of the event as the event replays over and over in their minds. This causes extreme emotional discomfort when exposed to situations that remind them of the initial trauma.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) go through the day filled

Generalized Anxiety Disorder People with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) go through the day filled with exaggerated worry and tension, even though there is little or nothing responsible for causing it. Constant worries about: Health Loved ones Money issues Family problems Difficulties at school/work

Generalized Anxiety Disorder People with GAD have trouble: Relaxing Sleeping or falling asleep Concentrating

Generalized Anxiety Disorder People with GAD have trouble: Relaxing Sleeping or falling asleep Concentrating Physical symptoms of Generalized Anxiety: Fatigue Trembling Muscle tension Headaches Irritability Hot flashes

I don’t know if I can handle this…

I don’t know if I can handle this…

Some Things That Can Cause You to Feel Anxious: It’s natural for new, unfamiliar,

Some Things That Can Cause You to Feel Anxious: It’s natural for new, unfamiliar, or challenging situations to prompt feelings of anxiety or nervousness. Facing an important test, starting a new school, a first date, a big game, or a major class presentation can trigger normal anxiety. Although these situations don’t threaten a person’s safety, they can cause someone to feel “threatened” by potential embarrassment, worrying about making a mistake, fitting in, stumbling over words, being accepted or rejected, or losing pride.

Test or Performance Anxiety All anxiety is a reaction to anticipating something stressful. It

Test or Performance Anxiety All anxiety is a reaction to anticipating something stressful. It affects your body & mind. When you’re under stress, your body releases the hormone adrenaline, which prepares you for danger. That is what causes the physical symptoms, such as sweating, a pounding heart, and rapid breathing. These sensations may be mild or intense.

Have you ever done this while taking a test? �Your mind goes blank �Freeze

Have you ever done this while taking a test? �Your mind goes blank �Freeze up �Zone out �Feel like you are going be sick �You are sweaty & shaky �You have a tension headache

What is test anxiety? Test anxiety is actually a type of performance anxiety –

What is test anxiety? Test anxiety is actually a type of performance anxiety – a feeling you might have in a situation where performance really counts, where you are getting a grade, or when the pressure is on to do well. What if I forget everything I know? ? ? What if the test is too hard? ? ?

Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings �If worries become overwhelming, you may feel

Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings �If worries become overwhelming, you may feel that they are running your life. �If you spend an excessive amount of time feeling worried or nervous, this may be a symptom of an anxiety disorder �If you have difficulty sleeping because of your anxiety, pay attention to your thoughts and feelings.

I can’t concentrate…

I can’t concentrate…

Anxiety affects all areas of your life �Constant worries can make a person feel

Anxiety affects all areas of your life �Constant worries can make a person feel overwhelmed by every little thing. All of this can affect your: �Concentration �Confidence �Sleep �Appetite �Relationships �Outlook on Life

Nobody understands me… �People with anxiety disorders might avoid talking about their worries, thinking

Nobody understands me… �People with anxiety disorders might avoid talking about their worries, thinking that others might not understand �They fear they may be unfairly judged �They don’t want to be considered weak or scared �Although anxiety disorders are common, people who have them may feel misunderstood or alone

What can I do about it? �Talk to a guidance counselor or trusted adult

What can I do about it? �Talk to a guidance counselor or trusted adult �Get a physical or check up �Get regular exercise, good nutrition, and sleep �Work with a mental health professional �Practice relaxation techniques �Learn some breathing exercises �Create some different coping skills �Spend time with people you like, who will listen and care about you

How can I help the anxiety I feel before a test? * Use a

How can I help the anxiety I feel before a test? * Use a little stress to your advantage * Ask for help * Be prepared * Watch what you are thinking – block out negative or critical thoughts * Accept mistakes * Take care of your health – get at least 8 hours of sleep, exercise, and eat healthy foods

Talking with a counselor or therapist about your anxiety and what is causing it

Talking with a counselor or therapist about your anxiety and what is causing it can provide you with great relief

Exercising or spending time in nature can help you feel grounded and peaceful.

Exercising or spending time in nature can help you feel grounded and peaceful.

Getting a full, good nights sleep provides your body and brain with the proper

Getting a full, good nights sleep provides your body and brain with the proper fuel to operate at your BEST!

Please remember… � Try to stay patient and positive! � It can take time

Please remember… � Try to stay patient and positive! � It can take time to feel better and takes courage to face your fears � Letting go of worry allows room for more happiness and you can enjoy life!

With gratitude… Thank you very much for allowing me the privilege and opportunity to

With gratitude… Thank you very much for allowing me the privilege and opportunity to talk with you today! Joanna Bane Erasing the Stigma Services Coordinator Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee www. mhamt. org