HELP!! Our young women, aged 18 to 30, are struggling with their emotional and mental health. And there's little support out there for them!! There has been recent national focus high-lighting the lack of supporting services for this group. Attention was drawn to this vulnerable age group. Several high profile young women who had experienced anxiety problems spoke out. They'd found it tough to cope, often silently, without getting any help.
Root of Anxiety Lies in Fear
Surveys show that between 80 and 90% 0f what we worry about never actually happens. Anxiety is usually triggered by a threat. Most times this is an imaginary one - about things that haven't happened…. or things in the future that we may not have any control over. The fears may be around specific events or happenings that never happen. Or if they do they are never as bad as what is imagined.
Feeling anxious or fearful produces physical responses. The symptoms may be headaches, pressure in the eyes, skin irritations, pins and needles, poor sleep, tearfulness, racing heart, tight chest, panic attacks and so on. Then there are the kinds of mental responses. Constant negative thoughts that go round and round, feeling helpless and lacking support, worry and apprehension are some common responses.
Some Types of Anxiety Experienced
Anxiety for a 18-30 year old can be derived from 'fear' in many areas of life, for example:
· Social events
· Big crowds
· Driving
· Perceived illness
· Family
· Lack of self-control
· Relationships
· New job/work
· Body image
· Self-esteem
· Finances
When 'anxiety' threatens...
1. Start to breathe deeply... most time the breathing is too shallow and is up at chest level. Slow down the breathing rate, breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth using your stomach. Put both hands on the stomach as you breathe so the deep breathing is felt in the stomach
2. Get help from a professional. A person can learn how to reduce their stress response. Anxiety can be reduced or eliminated. Our thoughts produce the majority of stress and anxiety experienced. It's important to change the thinking so that the emotions felt and the physiological effects are changed too.
Please feel free to share this article and to learn more about anxiety and how help is available go to http://outcomesunlimited.co.nz/servicepost/wellbeing/
If you, or anyone you know, suffers from 'stress' or 'anxiety', and want to learn the techniques and tools towards a happier, healthier life then contact me on [email protected]