Anxiety is a general term for several disorders that cause a variety of distressful emotions [1]. Disorders such as these can have a large affect on how individuals behave and feel, which can result in real physical symptoms [1]. This becomes a problem when symptoms begin to interfere with a person's ability to sleep or otherwise function[1]. All anxiety disorders share common features, including excessive fear, avoidance of whatever is feared, and anticipation and worry when expected to encounter whatever is feared[4]. Anxiety can come on it’s own, be a result from, or result in a completely separate disorder. Often symptoms that result from anxiety are not taken as seriously as needed and can lead to a worsening disorder.

Anxiety as a single topic, is broad and can be broken down into several more specific types, some of which include social anxiety, panic disorders and generalized anxiety.

Since all types of anxiety can cause individuals to withdraw themselves from social situations, talking with them can come as a challenge. Here are some tips to effectively open yourself up to them, so they can open up to you:

• Anxiety can make individuals feel as though they are alone with their mental illness which can leave them in a constant state of worry, fear and dread[2]. Letting this person know that they can talk to you about how they feel openly, without any fear of judgment is very important[3].

• People were made to communicate with other people, so spending time with them as much as possible can make a big difference as it makes it harder for them to think about their anxieties[3].

• Knowing that they have a person who is constantly ready to listen is extremely comforting to someone who is trying to control their anxiety. Tell them to call you anytime, anywhere.[3] Anxiety can make people feel lost and alone. Knowing that someone is a phone call away reduces that feeling[3].

• Anxiety can affect the way people act and feel and can often cause individuals to be more quick to irritation. Ideally, try your best to be forgiving. Let them know that you understand, and that even if it's not fair you're not going to quit the friendship because of it[3].

• Participate in exciting activities. Try to be outdoors… Exercise itself is a known remedy for anxiety, and creating new memories can help people cope with some of the stresses of life.[3] So try your best to get out and do things together.

• Be proud of them when they improve. Actually being happy when you see recovery while avoiding feeling frustrated during setbacks can make them feel more comfortable and confident.[3] (Remember that anxiety changes thought patterns and can make people think and feel much more negative, which unfortunately means that they can and often will interpret your facial expressions negatively, assume you're annoyed with them, or ashamed of them.[3]

Social Anxiety

The idea of being judged or not accepted by others is a thought that crosses the minds of many people. However social anxiety is an excessive worry of being put into public situations, such as school, sport events or parties as teenagers “constantly feel "on stage," which can lead to a great deal of self-consciousness, distress, and avoidance” (AnxietyBC). When out in public, the fear of embarrassing one’s self and harsh judgement from peers is constantly on their minds; leading to thoughts like “I’m such an idiot” or “I know I’m going to say something stupid”. There are many ways to reduce the severity of this type of anxiety but it is difficult to make it completely vanish.

What are panic attacks?

Panic attacks are a “sudden urge of overwhelming fear and anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms that can last several minutes or longer” (Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder), which may occur at any time. It is a fear of disaster or losing control even when there is no real danger. Sometimes, our brain perceives events that are uncomfortable to us, such as speaking in front of a large group of people, to be dangerous. This may trigger a panic attack.

Panic Attacks and the Brain

“The amygdala is a section of the brain that is responsible for detecting fear and preparing for emergency events” (The Amygdala). When our brain perceives danger, the amygdala releases stress hormones throughout the body to prepare for the apparent emergency. It is our “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In our ancestors, this part of the brain was very helpful because they had to face life threatening events and the amygdala prepared them for this. Although the amygdala is still an important part of the brain, it is not needed as much in today’s society.

Drawing your anxiety gives you an opportunity to look at what might be causing you to feel “overwhelmed”, “controlled” or even “crazy”. It is a chance to face your own anxiety and to realize others do feel the same way and people are willing to support you. So feel free to draw what you are feeling and set a goal to erase some of those negative thoughts!  

Remember, if you ever feel like anxiety is taking over your life, talk to a caring adult. The guidance counsellors at SCSS can help get you the support you need.