The “I” in Anxiety
I am not good enough (put these in a cloud, or mixture in a section)
I am afraid
I feel uncomfortable
I feel out of control
I can’t cope
I can’t think straight
I can’t do this
I worry all the time
Anxiety is the most common form of mental health issue for young people. Casline, E., Ogle,
R. et al (2022). Anxiety can lead to finding it hard to cope with everyday life, work, school,
family and relationships, feelings of failure and isolation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and certain medications can help. Working with the
person to align with what works or does not work for them in the form of treatment to aid in
recovery. Using relaxation, changing to healthy thought habits, and using problem solving
techniques assist in reducing anxiety. Casline, E., Ogle, R. et al. (2022).
By instilling hope and motivation to change, identifying needs, developing goals, finding
inner strengths and using the support of family and friends, setting goals and the strategies
to reach them, understanding any barriers to overcoming success. Wong, D., Yu, R
https://doi.org/104324/9780429200328
Physical activity can reduce anxiety 4-7% and may prevent it’s onset by up to 26%. Anxiety
is real, and along with depression, it is the major cause of disability in Australia and the
world. Wanjau, M., Moller, H. et al (2023). Graph of activity vs inactivity and anxiety rates if
needed. Wanjau, M. N., Möller, Dr. H., Haigh, F., Milat, A., Hayek, R., Peta, L., & Veerman,
J. L. (2022). Physical activity and depression and anxiety disorders in Australia: a lifetable
analysis. AJPM Focus, 2(2), 100030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focus.2022.100030
Restored daily functioning results in returning to work or study commitments, enjoying a
stable and healthy working environment and life balance, enjoying positive relationships and
interest in the things you enjoy, fresh outlook on life and positive perspectives, maintaining
personal care and hygiene. Develop new and healthy coping skills. Having self-awareness
so we are aware of how our thoughts affect us, our emotions, and reactions and be able to
adjust our thinking and thought process so our anxiety does not rule our behaviour. Have the
agility to look at situations in other ways and being able to self-care. Do you worry you are
not safe or in control, feeling uncomfortable, and feel worried about uncertainties? Do you
feel like you are waiting for things to go wrong, are you avoiding situations? If you answered
yes, you have anxiety. Medications are not a sign of failure or weakness; answers helping
hand to recovery. Recovery is moving forward, positive steps to recovery and an
understanding of you. Everything begins with the first step. Then another. And another.
42.9% of people aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder with anxiety, the most
common 17.2%. (abs, 2023). Did you know that the most important part of overall health and
wellbeing is your mental health? Anxiety is common and you are most likely not alone.
Anxiety can disturb your mental wellbeing, your thoughts and feelings, and upset your ability
to handle things emotionally. Anxiety can be affected by many factors, contributing to its
effects. Having anxiety does not define who you are. Recovery helps the person to continue
with purpose and enjoy meaningful lives.
Abs (2023) graph can be used here. In 2020-2022, there were 17.4% of Australian who
sought help from a health professional for mental disorders including anxiety and 17.6% of
Australians were dispensed medication to assist in their recovery. Purposeful, meaningful
lives can go on living with the aid of anxiety disorder recovery.
Recognising anxiety and recovery and wellbeing. There are many support networks ready to
help. There is no stigma in having anxiety. It is real. It is lived. And recovery is achievable
and accessible. Enter the gov.stat webpage for resources on abs website.
WHO 2022
There are many effective options for the prevention and treatment of anxiety. One in eight
will experience a mental disorder globally. Characterised by disturbance in cognition,
emotional regulation and behaviours (who reference this). Anxiety results in significant stress
or impaired functioning. 3 types, GAD, generalized anxiety disorder characterised by
excessive worry, panic disorder which is characterised by panic attacks, and social anxiety
disorder characterised by excessive fear and worry in social situations, and separation
anxiety disorder.
Resilience is key. Along with social support and the support of family and friends, and social
relationships. Support with education and educational programs, and meaningful stability in
life like employment, education, housing.
Ad lib.
Mental health is real. Anxiety is real and prevalent. You are not alone. Recovery and
resilience are key to living with anxiety.