Anxiety
Now, when you begin to feel anxious about something you may experience/feel some or all of the following things:
The Fight Reaction
Your pupils will dilate (open up), your muscles will tense up and your breathing will get heavier. This is your body preparing you for conflict. It will seem like the adrenaline pumping through your body is masking the anxiety for a while as your brain knows you wouldn't be able to attack or eliminate the threat if you were scared. The Fight Reaction is your body's way of facing your fear.
The Flight Reaction
Your hands may feel sweaty, you may start to shake/shiver and you may take sharp breaths or even find it difficult to breathe. It will feel as though your anxiety is dominating the adrenaline going through your body, as you will still feel panicky, more so than if you had gone into the Fight Reaction. You will most likely have thoughts about how to leave the situation. Depending on your mental and physical state you will either leave the school and the threat or you may stay in the school until your anxiety level reaches its peak and calms down again. Your body can only remain panicked and anxious like that for a short while as it takes too much effort to maintain that state of awareness. The anxiety will calm down but you could still feel scared after your panic has peaked and calmed.
When you either stay in the situation you fear, or deliberately put yourself in that position, your anxiety will go up, reach its peak and then go down again. Some people find that by putting themselves in the same situation again and again reduces their fear of it. We're not going to tell you that you should keep going to school and not avoid it. That would be hypocritical. We know that some people's anxiety can get worse from pushing themselves to go into school. Especially if you are being bullied as if the bullies annoy you during the day at school then that adds to your negative attitude towards school. Try all your options; if you just can't stay at school then have a look at other alternatives.
Click the link below for some worksheets about coping with Anxiety. Feel free to print them off. Thanks to the book Overcoming Panic, Anxiety and Phobias!
Anxiety and Panic Response Worksheets
Treatment for persistent anxiety problems usually consists of the prescription of an anxiolytic drug or referral to receive cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or both of these options combined.
Prescription medication
A lot of the time anxiety problems are treated with some form of anti-anxiety drug. The drugs recognised most often for this anxiety-relieving effect would be 'benzodiazepines,' of which there are many, yet only two have been approved for use on panic attacks (Klonopin and Xanax). All of the drugs in this category are highly addictive and any use should be carefully monitored by doctors and psychiatrists.
Drugs such as SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are also used to alleviate anxiety. The most effective usage of these being seen in those who exhibit signs of clinical depression, non-specific anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder at the same time. A certain type of drug called Beta blockers are also used for anxiety.
The addictive nature of these drugs, mostly the benzodiazepines, means that abrupt discontinuation can result in bad side effects. These can be cravings, abdominal pains, cramps, insomnia, increased anxiety and other signs of withdrawal. The worst of the benzodiazepines is Xanax, with which hospitalisation has been required on occasion, as the drug has been shown to evoke dangerous and sometimes fatal seizures as part of the withdrawal process.
We strongly suggest trying therapy first before resorting to any medication. Consult your doctor on these options.
Therapies
The most popular therapy used for defeating anxiety is Cognitive-behavioural therapy. This may involve challenging false or self-defeating beliefs, developing a positive self-talk skill, developing negative thought replacement and many other techniques. A little bit more information on CBT is available below.
Other treatments
A variety of herbal and homeopathic treatments are available but scientific research into them is limited and your doctor should most definitely be informed of any that you plan to take. Things like passionflower, camomile, Kava Kava and St. John's Wort have all been recognised as alternatives to mainstream treatment but there are side effects of these too. Just because they're natural doesn't mean they aren't harmful.
- Numbness or tingling
- Feeling hot
- Wobbliness in legs
- Unable to relax
- Fear of the worst happening
- Dizzy or light headed
- Heart pounding or racing
- Unsteady
- Terrified
- Nervous
- Feelings of choking
- Hands trembling
- Shaky
- Fear of losing control
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Fear of death
- Scared
- Indigestion or discomfort in the stomach
- Faint
- Face flushed
- Sweating not due to heat or cold sweats/shivers
- Feelings of unreality or disorientation
The Fight Reaction
Your pupils will dilate (open up), your muscles will tense up and your breathing will get heavier. This is your body preparing you for conflict. It will seem like the adrenaline pumping through your body is masking the anxiety for a while as your brain knows you wouldn't be able to attack or eliminate the threat if you were scared. The Fight Reaction is your body's way of facing your fear.
The Flight Reaction
Your hands may feel sweaty, you may start to shake/shiver and you may take sharp breaths or even find it difficult to breathe. It will feel as though your anxiety is dominating the adrenaline going through your body, as you will still feel panicky, more so than if you had gone into the Fight Reaction. You will most likely have thoughts about how to leave the situation. Depending on your mental and physical state you will either leave the school and the threat or you may stay in the school until your anxiety level reaches its peak and calms down again. Your body can only remain panicked and anxious like that for a short while as it takes too much effort to maintain that state of awareness. The anxiety will calm down but you could still feel scared after your panic has peaked and calmed.
When you either stay in the situation you fear, or deliberately put yourself in that position, your anxiety will go up, reach its peak and then go down again. Some people find that by putting themselves in the same situation again and again reduces their fear of it. We're not going to tell you that you should keep going to school and not avoid it. That would be hypocritical. We know that some people's anxiety can get worse from pushing themselves to go into school. Especially if you are being bullied as if the bullies annoy you during the day at school then that adds to your negative attitude towards school. Try all your options; if you just can't stay at school then have a look at other alternatives.
Click the link below for some worksheets about coping with Anxiety. Feel free to print them off. Thanks to the book Overcoming Panic, Anxiety and Phobias!
Anxiety and Panic Response Worksheets
Treatment for persistent anxiety problems usually consists of the prescription of an anxiolytic drug or referral to receive cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or both of these options combined.
Prescription medication
A lot of the time anxiety problems are treated with some form of anti-anxiety drug. The drugs recognised most often for this anxiety-relieving effect would be 'benzodiazepines,' of which there are many, yet only two have been approved for use on panic attacks (Klonopin and Xanax). All of the drugs in this category are highly addictive and any use should be carefully monitored by doctors and psychiatrists.
Drugs such as SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are also used to alleviate anxiety. The most effective usage of these being seen in those who exhibit signs of clinical depression, non-specific anxiety or generalised anxiety disorder at the same time. A certain type of drug called Beta blockers are also used for anxiety.
The addictive nature of these drugs, mostly the benzodiazepines, means that abrupt discontinuation can result in bad side effects. These can be cravings, abdominal pains, cramps, insomnia, increased anxiety and other signs of withdrawal. The worst of the benzodiazepines is Xanax, with which hospitalisation has been required on occasion, as the drug has been shown to evoke dangerous and sometimes fatal seizures as part of the withdrawal process.
We strongly suggest trying therapy first before resorting to any medication. Consult your doctor on these options.
Therapies
The most popular therapy used for defeating anxiety is Cognitive-behavioural therapy. This may involve challenging false or self-defeating beliefs, developing a positive self-talk skill, developing negative thought replacement and many other techniques. A little bit more information on CBT is available below.
Other treatments
A variety of herbal and homeopathic treatments are available but scientific research into them is limited and your doctor should most definitely be informed of any that you plan to take. Things like passionflower, camomile, Kava Kava and St. John's Wort have all been recognised as alternatives to mainstream treatment but there are side effects of these too. Just because they're natural doesn't mean they aren't harmful.
Self-help
Other options are self-help techniques, which are effective but not on their own. These can be:
- Healthy eating - Reducing stimulants like caffeine and sugar gradually (abrupt withdrawal could increase anxiety rather than reduce it) can be very helpful in keeping calm.
- Exercise - This should be done gradually as heart palpitations during sudden strenuous exercise can trigger panic attacks. Developing a gradual exercise routine can reduce stress and built up tension.
- Laughing - It really is the best medicine!
- Breathing techniques - You can find out how to achieve a good breathing rate by reading Number 42 on our School Survival Guide.
- Proper sleep
- Relaxation techniques
- Stress management
- Panic attack coping strategies
- Staying interested - Doing things that you enjoy and are meaningful to you can stop your mind getting bored and stressed.
Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is a persistent low mood that can often feel unbearable and uncontrollable. These moods can interfere with normal everyday functions. Symptoms of this can be:
There are many causes of depression. Too many to list here so here are just a few:
Are There Different Types of Depression?
Yes, there are different types of depression. The two main being clinical depression which is depression that requires some form of treatment as it persistent and the other is manic depression. The big difference between the two is the presence of 'mania.' Those with manic depression have episodes lasting at least a week where they become extremely euphoric or extremely irritable. This kind of depression is very near the opposite of clinical depression. Manic-depressives become talkative and loud despite the lack of sleep that is part of the disorder. Libido is increased and desire to have sexual relations may be excessive. They are always on-the-go and can engage in false beliefs such as special powers. Narcissism is a common symptom of manic depression. Manic-depressives can have different symptoms from each other.
Females can also suffer from Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is where symptoms of clinical depression and severe pre-menstrual tension (PMT) occur before menstruation. The most likely cause of this is strong hormonal fluctuations and a history of PMDD or PMT.
What Treatments Are There?
Depression is usually treated with some form of therapy or medication. There are plenty therapies out there yet some are better known and researched than others. One of the main ones is Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) which attempts to re-programme your negative thoughts and help you have a more optimistic look on yourself and your life. The other is Psychodynamic therapy, which goes into your background, personality and relationships and tries to work out what makes you feel the way you do and change it. In general, CBT is a shorter course of therapy, concentrating on the here and now as opposed to the latter more detailed type. There are plenty of therapies out there though and the one that works best will be the one that suits the patient most.
On the medication side of things, there are mood stabilisers for manic-depressives and antidepressants for the clinically depressed. Although these have been proven to be effective, they are generally used long-term and if you stop taking them then there are some nasty side effects. We'd strongly recommend trying different therapies before looking to medication as a solution.
Depression is very common disorder, with about 5% of children and adolescents suffering from depression at any given point in time.
Teen Suicide
Did You Know?
If we handed you two envelopes, both with a different experience inside; one with absolute nothingness in it and the other with you, a more positive and optimistic you. Which would you prefer? Obviously, we can't promise that your life will get immediately better if you don't commit suicide… but it could. With death there's no going back. With life, you're going to get hurt and you're going to have bad times, but there's still a chance you're going to have good times. No matter how big they are. It's like a game of Monopoly, we've all seen the people who nearly bankrupt themselves in the process of buying streets. We've all sat back thinking, "Look at my big pile of money," but when it comes round to buying houses and you haven't got any streets, that's when you realise you played it too safe. With Monopoly, at the end of the game, you pack it up and put it away. It's forgotten. But with life you only get one shot at the game, you can't finish up and then think, "Next time, I'll do better..." You may have to devote your time, your energy and your happiness into life, and yes, it may backfire, but it might not. Take the risk!
Depression is a persistent low mood that can often feel unbearable and uncontrollable. These moods can interfere with normal everyday functions. Symptoms of this can be:
- Frequent sadness/tearfulness - Depressed people may cry for no reason and feel unable to be happy.
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of motivation
- Lowered mental and physical energy
- Change in sleeping pattern - Getting to sleep or staying asleep may be difficult or persons may sleep for longer than usual and possibly at the wrong times.
- Change in appetite - Persons may eat less or eat more. Comfort eating is also part of this.
- Unfounded feelings of guilt - People may blame themselves for things that aren't their fault.
- Hopelessness - Feelings that life is not worth living are common with depression. Those affected by this may not be motivated enough to maintain their appearance or personal hygiene. This can make the person feel worse about themselves but there's always help!
- Loss of interest in things once enjoyed
- Social isolation - Depressed people may hide themselves away from interaction with peers or family members. They may show a preference to be alone or away from home a lot.
- Increased sensitivity, irritability, anger and hostility
- Talk of or efforts to run away
- Talk or expressions of suicide or self-injury
- Alcohol and Drug abuse - People may use substances as escapism.
- Self-injury
- Loss of libido
There are many causes of depression. Too many to list here so here are just a few:
- Chemical/Nutrient imbalance
- Family history of or living with someone who has depression
- Alcoholism
- Losing your parents or being neglected by them
- Low self confidence
- Relationship problems with a loved one
- Lack of friends or family
- Recent stressful or traumatic events
- Prolonged pain or a major illness
- Chronic stress
Are There Different Types of Depression?
Yes, there are different types of depression. The two main being clinical depression which is depression that requires some form of treatment as it persistent and the other is manic depression. The big difference between the two is the presence of 'mania.' Those with manic depression have episodes lasting at least a week where they become extremely euphoric or extremely irritable. This kind of depression is very near the opposite of clinical depression. Manic-depressives become talkative and loud despite the lack of sleep that is part of the disorder. Libido is increased and desire to have sexual relations may be excessive. They are always on-the-go and can engage in false beliefs such as special powers. Narcissism is a common symptom of manic depression. Manic-depressives can have different symptoms from each other.
Females can also suffer from Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which is where symptoms of clinical depression and severe pre-menstrual tension (PMT) occur before menstruation. The most likely cause of this is strong hormonal fluctuations and a history of PMDD or PMT.
What Treatments Are There?
Depression is usually treated with some form of therapy or medication. There are plenty therapies out there yet some are better known and researched than others. One of the main ones is Cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) which attempts to re-programme your negative thoughts and help you have a more optimistic look on yourself and your life. The other is Psychodynamic therapy, which goes into your background, personality and relationships and tries to work out what makes you feel the way you do and change it. In general, CBT is a shorter course of therapy, concentrating on the here and now as opposed to the latter more detailed type. There are plenty of therapies out there though and the one that works best will be the one that suits the patient most.
On the medication side of things, there are mood stabilisers for manic-depressives and antidepressants for the clinically depressed. Although these have been proven to be effective, they are generally used long-term and if you stop taking them then there are some nasty side effects. We'd strongly recommend trying different therapies before looking to medication as a solution.
Depression is very common disorder, with about 5% of children and adolescents suffering from depression at any given point in time.
Teen Suicide
Did You Know?
- For every two homicides in the U.S. there are three suicides.
- In the USA every hour and forty-five minutes another young person commits suicide.
- Every year at least 16 bullied children commit suicide because nothing is being done to help them.
- Britain has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe. Each year in the UK over 5000 people take their life.
- There are around 800 successful suicides in France. There are also around 200,000 attempted suicides by 15-25 year olds.
- In Canada in every 100,000 people at least 15 people will commit suicide.
- 24 percent of all deaths in Canada among 15-24 year olds is due to suicide.
- In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide.
- Someone somewhere in the world commits suicide every 40 seconds.
STOP!
You may think you want to die...but inside you just want to be saved...
You may think you want to die...but inside you just want to be saved...
If we handed you two envelopes, both with a different experience inside; one with absolute nothingness in it and the other with you, a more positive and optimistic you. Which would you prefer? Obviously, we can't promise that your life will get immediately better if you don't commit suicide… but it could. With death there's no going back. With life, you're going to get hurt and you're going to have bad times, but there's still a chance you're going to have good times. No matter how big they are. It's like a game of Monopoly, we've all seen the people who nearly bankrupt themselves in the process of buying streets. We've all sat back thinking, "Look at my big pile of money," but when it comes round to buying houses and you haven't got any streets, that's when you realise you played it too safe. With Monopoly, at the end of the game, you pack it up and put it away. It's forgotten. But with life you only get one shot at the game, you can't finish up and then think, "Next time, I'll do better..." You may have to devote your time, your energy and your happiness into life, and yes, it may backfire, but it might not. Take the risk!
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