Anxiety disorder

Anxiety can affect us all, at some point in our lives. It is natural and can be useful to motivate us in our daily lives and help avoid dangerous situations. Anxiety varies in severity from mild uneasiness to extreme terrifying panic attacks. It also can vary from moments in time to years of distress.

Sometimes we change the word anxiety to 'worry' often using this to explain how we feel.

For example: I am worried about my exam. I worry for my younger sister. I feel worried about the rising cost of living.

Feeling worried, sometimes, about situations or people in our life is natural. If we feel worried constantly, it might be worth talking to someone you trust; a friend, teacher, family member etc.

ANXIETY DISORDERS can be caused or developed by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, substance abuse.

ADDITIONAL READING ON ANXIETY DISORDERS

Panic disorderPanic disorder is where you keep having panic attacks, often for no obvious reason. Includes symptoms, treatments and self-help tips.

Overview - PhobiasFind out more about phobias, which are an overwhelming fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)NHS information and advice about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD or body dysmorphia), including what the symptoms are and what can help.

Overview - Generalised anxiety disorder in adultsEveryone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.

Overview - Post-traumatic stress disorderPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Social anxiety (social phobia)Find out about social anxiety (social phobia), including the symptoms, getting treatment and what you can do yourself to help overcome it.

Anxiety disorders in childrenRead about anxiety disorders in children and teenagers, with links to other useful resources.

FIGHT, FLIGHT or FREEZE

What is the 'fight, flight or freeze' response?

Like all animals, human beings have evolved ways to help us protect ourselves from danger. When we feel under threat our bodies react by releasing certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can be helpful. These hormones:

make us feel more alert, so we can act faster
make our hearts beat faster, quickly sending blood to where it's needed most.

After we feel the threat has passed, our bodies release other hormones to help our muscles relax. This can sometimes cause us to shake.

This is commonly called the 'fight, flight or freeze' response – it's something that happens automatically in our bodies, and we have no control over it (Mind, 2022).

ANXIETY DISORDER

Slides from the lesson - see above.