Did you know? 

Anxiety disorders can start at any age, but they often begin with “shy” children and teens or in early adulthood. They can also be triggered by a series of traumatic events.

Anxiety disorders in some individuals may lead to diagnosable mental health disorders- i.e. depressive mood disorder, substance abuse, or personality disorder

Women are 16% more likely to experience anxiety than men.
Anxiety varies in severity and can range for a mild uneasiness to a panic attack. It can last for minutes, days, months, or even a lifetime.
Some people develop ways of reducing their anxiety that cause more problems. For example, people with phobias avoid anxiety-provoking situations. This avoidance reduces the anxiety in the short term, but long term can restrict education, work, recreation and social activities

 
Types of Anxiety

• Specific phobia (fear of flying…)
• Generalized anxiety
• Panic disorder (Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks) flashbacks
• Agoraphobia (Fear of panic attack in public, where escape is difficult)
• Social phobia
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (Obsessions and compulsions)

Causes of Anxiety
The causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety. Inherited traits also can be a factor.
Medical causes

​Examples of medical problems that can be linked to anxiety include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism
• Respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma
• Drug misuse or withdrawal
• Withdrawal from alcohol, anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) or other medications
• Chronic pain or irritable bowel syndrome

• Rare tumors that produce certain fight-or-flight hormones

Sometimes anxiety can be a side effect of certain medications.
 

 
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Common Symptoms of Anxiety

• Feeling nervous, restless or tense
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
• Having difficulty controlling worry
• Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

There Is Hope

With early diagnosis, intervention and treatment, people can recover and lead fulfilling lives.
 
Employment strategies, as well as, local support groups are available

 Brochure: English