Overview
In the world an estimated 275 million people suffer from anxiety disorders. That’s around 4% of the global population, with a spread of between 2.5% and 6.5% of population per country. Around 62% of those suffering from anxiety are female (170 million), compared with 105 million male sufferers.
The peak ages for anxiety are typically between the ages of 5-7 years old and adolescence. However, everyone is different, and your anxiety can peak at various times, depending on what triggers it initially. Merely feeling anxious is the body’s response to danger as the fight-or-flight hormone kicks in.
What is Anxiety?
- Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
5 major Types of Anxiety Disorders
-
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
How Can I Help Someone That Has Anxiety?
Do’s
- Get an understanding of the symptom’s
- Let the individual know you are there for them.
- Take the time to listen to what the individual has to say
- Keep communication open to the individual
Don’ts
- Constantly talk about the issue that may be bothering the individual
- Enable Their anxieties
- Put pressure on them
- Get Frustrated with them
- Expect immediate change
Do Listen to how they want to be supported
What to say to someone with Anxiety
- How Can I Help you?
- I’ve noticed you’ve been anxious recently, and I am worried about you
- No matter what, I’ll Always be here for you.
- Do you want to go for a walk and talk about it?
What not to say to someone with Anxiety
- Try not to think about it
- I get anxious sometimes to
- Maybe you’re just an anxious person
- You’ve got nothing to be anxious about
What do I do if someone is having an anxiety attack?
- Try to stay calm
- Gently let them know that you think they might be having a panic attack and that you are there for them
- Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply- it can help to do something structured or repetitive they can focus on, such as counting out loud, or asking them to watch as you gently raise your arms up and down
- Encourage them to stamp their feet right on the spot
- Encourage them to sit somewhere quietly where they can focus on their breath until they feel better.
What are the 5 Main symptoms of having anxiety?
- Having Difficulty concentrating
- Your Mind will go blank
- You will feel Restless
- Wound-up or on-edge
- Being easily fatigued
Other Symptoms May Include
- Behavioral: hypervigilance, irritability, or restlessness
- Cognitive: lack of concentration, racing thoughts, or unwanted thoughts
- Whole body: fatigue or sweating
- Also common: anxiety, excessive worry, fear, feeling of impending doom, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, or trembling
What treatment options are there for Anxiety?
- learning about anxiety
- mindfulness
- relaxation techniques
- correct breathing techniques
- cognitive therapy
- behavior therapy
- counseling
- dietary adjustments
- exercise
- learning to be assertive
- building self-esteem
- structured problem solving
- medication
- support groups