Mental Health Resources
About Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is when someone experiences continuous, intense, and prolonged feelings of anxiety. Anxiety very common among young people - it is the most common mental health issue among youth. This constant anxiety can have a serious impact on a person's quality of life by making them feel unwell and stopping them from enjoying life to the fullest.
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Anxiety Disorder Types
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Panic disorder - regular panic attacks where a person becomes extremely distressed and experiences panic physically and psychologically.
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Phobias - A specific, strong fear of a situation or thing producing both physical and psychological reactions.
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Generalized anxiety disorder - frequent, intense feelings of worry and tension, even when there is no obvious cause.
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Social anxiety - Extreme worry and stress surrounding social situations
What To Do​ About It
Image: Introvert Doodles
If you or someone you know is experiencing prolonged anxiety, talk to someone about it - a parent, doctor, or trusted adult. Anxiety is not something that someone has to suffer through their entire life - it is treatable and when the proper steps are taken, many can get their anxiety under control and return to enjoying their life to the fullest.
Who To Talk To:
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A parent
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A teacher
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Your family doctor
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A psychologist
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A psychiatrist
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A counsellor
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A social worker
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A peer support worker
Counselling
Anxiety is frequently treated through cognitive-behavioural therapy. Through this therapy, people are taught about how their thoughts contribute to their anxiety and how to challenge those thoughts to stop toxic thoughts in their tracks. This type of therapy forces individuals to face situations and thoughts that scare them through small, manageable steps to helps them gain control over their thoughts and feelings.
Youth can also take part in support groups where they can share their experiences with others and learn from their peers' experiences.
Medication​
Sometimes young people are also prescribed antidepressants to help them with their anxiety because antidepressants often help reduce feelings of anxiety and panic. Whether or not a young person will be prescribed medication for depression will depend on a decision made by parents and doctors.
SOURCES: Canadian Mental Health Association