Anxiety - Self Help Guide

Aim of Guide

• Recognise whether or not you may be suffering from symptoms of anxiety.
• Understand what anxiety is, what can cause it, and what can keep it going.
• Overcome your anxiety by learning better ways of coping with it.

Common Feelings Associated With Anxiety Include:

• “I’m tired, but can’t sleep for worrying.”
• “I’m sure that I’ll fail that exam.”
• “My work is piling up and I just can’t cope however hard I try.”
• “I’m losing control.”

Isn’t It Normal To Feel Anxious?

Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time. It is a normal response to situations that we see as threatening to us. For example, if we had to go into hospital for an operation, or had to sit a driving test, or take an exam, it would be natural to feel anxious. Anxiety at certain levels can even be helpful in some situations such as when we need to perform well, or cope with an emergency.

• Some anxiety is not at all helpful because:
• Symptoms of anxiety whilst not dangerous, can be uncomfortable.
• Symptoms can also be frightening particularly if someone does not know that these symptoms are just signs of anxiety.
• Sometimes people with anxiety symptoms worry that they may have something seriously wrong with them. This worry can then produce more anxiety symptoms which of course increases the worry!
• When anxiety is severe and goes on for a long time it can stop people doing what they want to do.