Anxiety

Know the Facts

It is completely normal to worry about things throughout life. Anxiety is a natural human reaction that involves both the mind and the body. Anxiety can be described as a sense of uneasiness, nervousness, worry, fear, or dread of what’s about to happen or what might happen. Fear is like an alarm that goes off when a person is threatened or in danger. But when fear and worries become overwhelming, they may start to take over a youth’s life and this is when a young person may begin to develop an anxiety disorder.

An anxiety disorder involves excessive amounts of anxiety, fear and worry. Anxiety that is so constant and intense that it causes a person to be distracted, tense or feel even physically ill. Signs of anxiety can come suddenly or build gradually overtime until a person recognizes it as a problem.

Anxiety disorders are common in youth, which is why adults need to begin to Recognize the Signs of anxiety in the youth around them.

Recognize the Signs

• Exessive fear or worry
• Racing mind
• Stomach pains or nausea
• Pounding heart
• Sleep disturbances
• Avoiding situations

Project AWARE: Youth Mental Health First Aid

Learn more about how to help a young person with anxiety and other mental illnesses by attending a local Youth Mental Health First Aid course. The course provides adults with the knowledge and skills to recognize mental illness in youth, help a youth experiencing a mental illness and respond to a mental health crisis.