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ANXIETY

What is Anxiety?

Feeling stress and anxious are a common response to a situation where we feel under pressure and they pass once the stressful situation has passed. ​When anxious feelings don't go away, happen without any particular reason or make it hard to cope with daily life it may be the sign of an anxiety condition. 

 

An anxiety disorder is a medical condition characterised by persistent, excessive worry, typically for periods over 6 months.

What Are The Symptoms? 

Behavioural changes: avoidance of feared situations, social isolation or being withdrawn, shyness, inability to relax, problems with work, social or family life.

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Emotional changes: Being restless and on edge, persistent worrying and excessive fears and increased irritability and uncontrollable feelings of worry. 

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Cognitive changes: difficulty concentrating and easily distracted.

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Physical changes: Easily feeling fatigued, sleep difficulties such as problems in falling or staying asleep.

​I think I have Anxiety. What should I do ?

Below is a self test tool, take this anxiety test to gauge symptom level. This test is used as a screening tool for Anxiety and is not a diagnostic tool but rather to assist you with identifying if a more detailed assessment is needed by a professional. 

Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD7)

Choose one answer for each of the 7 questions below:

GAD test

The GAD-7 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B. W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues, with an education grant from Pfizer, Inc.

Add up your results for each column Total score (add column totals together).

​Your total score is a guide to how severe your anxiety disorder may be:

  • 0 to 4 = mild anxiety

  • 5 to 9 = moderate anxiety

  • 10 to 14 = moderately severe anxiety

  • 15 to 21 = severe anxiety

If your score is 10 or higher, or if you feel that anxiety is affecting your daily life, book an appointment for your GP and Counselling. 

What is the treatment for Anxiety?

Treatment includes a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and lifestyle changes to calm your anxiety. 

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Helpful strategies that can be introduced include skill development for stress management, problem solving, activity planning, and psychoeducation. Addtional therapies including exposure-based, narrative and supportive counselling. 

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If you think you may have an anxiety disorder,seek mental health help and support. 

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