Anxiety is a feeling of unease when we are worried, tense, or afraid particularly about things that are about to happen, or things we fear happening in the future.
It is common for everyone to experience feelings of anxiety sometimes, particularly in times of stress and uncertainty. But if you’re feelings of anxiety are extreme and last for a long period of time it may become difficult for you to handle on your own and may start to interfere with your life. Luckily there are ways in which you can manage it.
Read one of our young person’s experiences below with Anxiety and how Off the Record can help.
Ruben’s Story
Ruben had a diagnosis of anxiety disorder and depression and had experienced CAMHS. He felt he had nothing to look forward to and would never be able to get a job or leave home. He had only attended one job interview shortly after graduating during which they felt so humiliated and ashamed by their inability to communicate due to anxiety that they ran from the room in tears. The thought of applying for any other job was so terrifying that he could not see how they would achieve it in the future.
During Ruben’s counseling sessions at OTR. The counselor talked to Ruben about picturing success at an interview and how it would feel, and also that the interview itself would be very different i.e. new people, room etc. Coping mechanisms were suggested to Ruben, for example, 7/11 breathing. Also, the counselor spoke to Ruben about being enthusiastic and concentrating on what he knows rather than worrying about what he doesn’t.
Ruben applied for a job and attended an interview soon after and was successful in securing the position.
Ruben’s father had made many comments about Ruben's needed to become independent by learning to drive and getting his own place to live, the counselor explored ways of how Ruben they could overcome the terror he felt at even speaking to a driving instructor
During the last session, Ruben was very complimentary about his OTR experience from start to finish and described how he was now in a happy place, enjoying his job, and excited about the future. And had his first driving lesson which he ‘quite enjoyed’!
Anxiety can feel different for everyone, but some of the common signs and symptoms of anxiety are below:
Physical:
• Dilated pupils
• Pale or flushed skin
• Rapid heart rate and breathing.
• Trembling
• Nausea
• Tight muscles and headaches
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• You might experience a panic attack (see our separate pages on panic attacks)
Emotional:
• Feeling nervous, wobbly, or dreading something bad happening
• Feeling paranoid- especially around other people
• Busy mind full of racing thoughts
• Focusing on negative experiences/memories and re-living them over and over.
• Feeling restless and unfocused
• Feeling numb
You may also experience problems sleeping, low mood, a lowered immune system. If you are anxious for a long time you may also struggle with staying in work/school, developing/maintaining relationships, and finding activities where you feel very comfortable.
