Anxiety
“a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome”.
1 in 3 globally suffer from anxiety disorders
Anxiety Symptoms
Coping Mechanisms
What are 5 things you can see?
What are 4 things you can feel?
What are 3 things you can hear?
What are 2 things you can smell?
What is 1 thing you can taste
Mental Health and Well Being
- What do I love about my life?
- What do I love to do?
- Who are the people that bring out the best in me?
- When do I feel truly happy?
- What is most important to me?
We will all have times in our lives where we will experience elevated stress, worry and sadness.
During these times, it is important to have strategies to support ourselves, and to be aware of what external support is available to us so that we can protect our ‘best self’ and support loved ones.
Physical Signs of Stress and Worry
The body has many ways of warning us of psychological distress. If we can notice these for ourselves, we can protect our own mental health and wellbeing to support out ‘Best Self’.
SCHOOL AND STUDY
- Upcoming tests
- Too much homework
- Heavy workload
- Lack of organisation
- Not enough “down time”
- Poor sleep schedule
- Participating in class
- Lack of support
HOME AND LIFE
- Driving
- Career
- Financial
- Parent and family expectations
- Independence
- Relationships and dating
- Religion and faith
- Future decisions
How Can We Manage Stress? Self-Care
- Nurture Yourself refers to relaxation, self-soothing and pleasurable activities. E.g. Cup of tea; Bath; Massage; Manicure; Facial; Colouring; Candles; Nap; Sit in Sun; Read or watch something; Play with pet.
- Move refers to get up and about doing some physical activity. E.g. Walk; Exercise; Stretch; Physical household or garden chores.
- Get Creative refers to engaging in something through the arts. E.g. Draw, Paint, Invent, Create, Theatre, Fashion, Museum, Music creation, Dance.
- Engage your brain refers to doing something that gets you thinking. E.g. Read; Learn; Puzzle; Crossword; Write a story; Learn a new skill; Journal.
- Be social refers to spending time with others or connecting with others. E.g. Communicate with someone through letter, phone, email or conversation; Do an activity with someone.
- Be spiritual refers to something that connects the body and mind. E.g. Deep breathing; Meditation; Pray; Self-gratitudes; Yoga; De-clutter your space; Self-reflections.
How Do I Help Others?
How Do I Know If I Need Help?
When uncomfortable, unpleasant, distressing and disruptive Physical Signs, Feelings, Recurring Thoughts and/or Behaviours are:
- Constant and noticeable most of the time;
- Persistently present for more than two weeks;
- Impacting your daily life in a negative way;
It is time to seek help.
Getting Help
Talk to Somebody
Parent; Friend; Sibling; Family member; Teacher; Mentor
Help through School/TAFE/Uni/Work
At School the School Counsellor; School Nurse; trusted School Teacher; Head of Year; Deputy/Principal.
At TAFE, Uni or work through Student/Staff Wellbeing or a trusted staff member.
Through a sporting or activity club coach.
SKLP Samaj member.
Phone Lines
Lifeline; KidsHelpline; Mens Line; The Butterfly Foundation; QLIFE; MHERL, 000.
Public Mental Health Organisations
KEMH; PCH; CAMHS; CDC, Crisis Care; Emergency Department; Hospital.
Headspace; Autism Association; Helping Minds; Neami; Youth Focus; NextStep
Private Mental Health Professionals
GP; Psychiatrist; Clinical Psychologist; Clinical Neuropsychologist; Counselling Psychologist; General Psychologist; Counsellor; Support Worker.
Keep in mind
Some people see a Psychologist for self- development, personal growth and prevention against poor mental health, rather than for specific Mental Health challenges.
Many people in the top of their field (CEOs, professional athletes) will consistently engage in psychological support to support excellency and life success.
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing supports you towards being your Best Self.
EPL teams, state teams including Eagles and Dockers, Olympic and National teams and most world class athletes have access to and engage regularly with a Clinical Psychologist or Sports Psychologist to enhance performance and support individual sporting success.
Show book “World’s Best” by Ric Charlesworth. Chapter 11 and 13 outline exceptionality in sporting from a Clinical Psychologist perspective working with the Australian Men’s Hockey team for many years, as well as the Australian Women’s Hockey team, Australian Women’s Waterpolo team, and England Men’s Rugby .
Holistic Approach
What is a holistic approach?
HOW?
– Physical Activity
– Mental Exercises
– Nutrition
– Therapy
– Social Networking
– Other Forms
– Staying away from Negativity
– Spirituality
– Medical Help
Why Does Our Community Struggle?
Just because you cannot see something does not mean it does not exist.
Acceptance comes from within you first then from your community
Useful Videos:
Dr. Russ Harris – Struggle Switch
Tim Box – How to stop feeling anxious about anxiety
Olivia Remes – How to cope with anxiety
Colin Bien Breaking the Loop of Anxiety
Useful Helplines
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Useful Apps
Smiling Mind www.smilingmind.com.au
To aid sleeping and mindfulness
Head Space www.headspace.com
Guided meditation, animations, articles and videos
