Let’s talk about… ANXIETY © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT IS ANXIETY? Anxiety is a normal, natural sensation that the brain uses to alert us to danger. It’s a deliberately uncomfortable feeling, aimed at getting our attention. It becomes a problem when it is more severe than normal, lasts longer than normal and/or is triggered by abnormal factors (e.g. phobias, PTSD flashbacks, spontaneous panic attacks, etc.) © BDLD CIC 2018

HOW COMMON IS IT? (Percentage of the population) © BDLD CIC 2018

HOW CAN IT FEEL? Worrying Pervasive thoughts Sense of doom Agitation Cognitive distortions (default negative thinking) Irritability Restlessness Unable to focus Nervous © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE THE MAIN ANXIETY DISORDERS? PTSD Phobias Experiencing anxiety more severely than average, and/or for longer than average. Pervasive negative thoughts, only eased by specific behaviours Involuntary memory intrusion, bringing back a traumatic event Experiencing repeat and ongoing panic attacks Persistent, excessive, irrational fears Generalised Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder OCD © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS? Depending on the type of anxiety disorder, symptoms might include: Disturbed sleep Inability to focus on tasks, conversations and life Unshakable feeling of edginess Involuntary flashbacks Obsessive thoughts that something bad is going to happen Thoughts of self harm and/or suicide © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POSSIBLE SIGNS? Nervousness Restless movement Sweating Clammy skin Constant eye movement Distracted Irritable Withdrawn © BDLD CIC 2018

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS? Stress Experiencing a traumatic event Use of drugs A family history of anxiety Personality type Withdrawal from alcohol/drugs Gender (women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with GAD) Some medical conditions Some medications © BDLD CIC 2018

If You’re Experiencing Anxiety Talk about what’s worrying you and how you’re feeling. Look for ways to manage, rather than avoid, the triggers. Use helpful coping strategies to relax. Exercise, sleep, socializing and positive activities (hobbies, learning, going away for a break) are just a few examples. Consider visiting your GP – they can put you in touch with talking therapies, and check if there’s a physical cause. Keep stimulants to a minimum (alcohol, smoking, use of substances, caffeine). Come and speak to me. I promise to listen and not judge. © BDLD CIC 2018