ANXIETY

Anxiety is something that everyone experiences from time to time. It is our body’s normal reaction to perceived danger or important events. We know everyone faces challenges in their life – that’s normal, but for some young people, feelings of anxiety begin to interfere with their life. The feelings last for longer than a few weeks and they change the way a person spends their time. On average, one in three women and one in five men will experience anxiety in their lifetime.

Anxiety is not dangerous. It is uncomfortable, but when managed will eventually decrease. When anxiety gets out of control, it can show itself in different ways:

• Clinging, crying and/or tantrums when you separate from someone you are attached to
• Excessive shyness/avoiding social situations
• Constant worry and negative thinking
• Feeling stressed/overwhelmed
• Difficulty sleeping
• Excessive sweating
• Heart pounding
• Butterflies in stomach
• Complaints of frequent stomach aches or headaches
• Difficulty with concentration
• Low mood/depression
• Unable to enjoy things
• Getting cross with loved ones often
• Panic/anxiety attacks.

There are different treatment approaches used by health professionals but the ones known to be especially helpful to treat anxiety (and depression) are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT),dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy.Some other treatments include medical treatments and anxiety management strategies.Anxiety is not a sign of personal weakness nor is it something you can just ‘snap out of’. If you think anxiety might be a problem for you it’s important to reach out to others, or professionals for help.