1. Let’s talk about…
ANXIETY
© BDLD CIC 2018

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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Withdrawn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

8. 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

9. 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