Anxiety

Anxiety describes a range of symptoms and types of disorders that often include:

  • Can happen to anyone at any time
  • Excessive worrying or apprehension
  • Restlessness and/or muscle tension
  • Fear and/or a panic response to something
  • Feeling overwhelmed, threatened, and/or unsafe
  • Can be related to a variety of situations, issues or medical conditions

Please note: if these symptoms are severe or an ongoing concern, consult your doctor or nurse practitioner.

Anxiety effects:

  • One’s ability to concentrate
  • Energy levels and ability to sleep or stay awake
  • Daily living and one’s ability to enjoy life
  • Ability to go to class or work
  • Ability to make friends or maintain relationships

Contributing factors to Anxiety are:

  • Stressful situations (sometimes these appear to be minor)
  • Loss/change
  • Low self esteem/low self confidence
  • Childhood/Adult emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse
  • Trauma
  • Substance use and abuse

What you can do:

  • Talk about it
  • Know you are not alone
  • Consult with your health care professional
  • Remind yourself that healing takes time
  • Develop a wellness plan (you can do this with your counsellor):
    • Physical self-care (exercise; nutrition; sleep; reduce alcohol, drugs, caffeine)
    • Lifestyle habits (routines, goals; stress reduction; relaxation)
    • Emotional self-care (feeling your feelings; self forgiveness; professional help)
    • Social Support (friends; family; colleagues)
    • Spiritual connection (prayer; meditation; community; find purpose and meaning)

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