Anxiety
Anxiety is when we feel uneasy, worried or afraid and this can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you might feel worried and anxious about an exam, speaking to someone new or presenting to an audience.
You may also feel anxiety over changes that are happening in your life as you get older. Finishing school, deciding on a career path and growing older can bring about a lot of uncertainty which can trigger an anxious response. During these times, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.
Sometimes people can find it hard to control their worries and their feelings of anxiety can start to affect their daily lives. Not being able to control your anxiety can sometimes lead to panic attacks which can feel scary.
If you’re feeling anxious a lot more of the time and it’s affecting your daily life, speak to someone you trust or Teen Health and ask for support.
It’s okay to be brave and afraid at the same time.
You are bigger than whatever is making you anxious.
Remember breathing exercises can reduce your anxiety.
Try this Square Breathing activity:
- Breathe in for the count of 4
- Hold for the count of 4
- Breathe out for the count of 4
- Hold for the count of 4
Repeat until you feel calmer.
How to cope with anxiety / childline
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