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Disclaimer: These resources are curated using information and links from a variety of local and national organizations. Any advertisements associated with these links may not be approved by the district. This information is not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition.
Everyone experiences anxiety in their life. It is the body's natural reaction to a perceived threat that triggers our fight-flight-freeze response. This response is intended to help us instinctually get out of danger and impacts our mind, body, and behavior. When someone is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, their brains perceive threats to be in places that are not typically threatening, such as being in social situations or other aspects of everyday life. You can read more about the various types of anxiety disorders on psychiatry.org. You can also learn more about anxiety and how to manage it at Anxiety Canada and The Calm Clinic.
Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks
Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks
Although the two may sometimes be used interchangeably, panic attacks and anxiety attacks are very different. Panic attacks typically do not have an obvious trigger and have more intense symptoms than anxiety. Anxiety attacks can intensify over a period of time; they are considered moments of intense, overwhelming stress. You can learn more about the different symptoms in the infographics below.
There are many ways to help yourself get out of a panic or anxiety attack. One of the most common things to do is use breathing or grounding techniques, which can be found on our Breathing Exercises page. You can also utilize fidgets, find a safe space to relax, and/or follow the TIPP skill (using an ice pack if hot, matching your heart rate by doing exercise, etc). If you or someone you know are having intense panic attacks that impact your daily life, it is suggested that you find a mental health provider that can help. You can learn more about the difference between anxiety and panic attacks here.
Ways to manage anxiety on your own:
Ways to manage anxiety on your own:
Utilize our Virtual Calming Room
Weighted blanket
Fidget toys
Deep Breathing and grounding techniques (see examples below)
Calm Clinic's Anxiety guide
Practice countering anxiety or challenging anxious thoughts
Additional resources
Additional resources
Angst - short film focused on bringing awareness of anxiety
Article: Anxiety and school avoidance/refusal
Grounding Technique
Grounding Technique
Breathing Technique
Breathing Technique
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