1. PsyCaD presentation 2014 ADDRESSING ANXIETY RELATED TO LIFE AT UNIVERSITY

2. Things don’t always go according to plan…

3. How do you know you are stressed? Physical cluesEmotional cluesCognitive cluesBehavioural clues Headaches Nausea Fatigue/tiredness Weight loss/gain Fainting/dizziness Lowered immunity Skin irritations/acne Body aches Muscle tension Increased BP Stomach cramps Heart palpitations Irritability/on-edge Demotivated Lack self-esteem Depression Overwhelmed Tearful Desire to escape Angry with self/world Hopelessness Sensitive Indecision Memory failure Worrying Lack focus Nightmares Over-thinking Can’t concentrate Blank mind Day dreaming Restlessness Appetite change Substance use Lying Withdrawal Accident prone Procrastination Do things slowly Changes in sleep More conflict Everything is a rush

4. Ways of addressing stress/anxiety Exercise or looking after your body (eating and sleeping) Relaxation practices (e.g. breathing or meditation) Therapy or talking to friends/family (asking for help or support) Time-management or other practical decisions CBT

5. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Basically about learning to control the thinking that exacerbates stress and anxiety We get caught up in a thinking cycle that makes us feel more and more powerless and overwhelmed So we need to take control back, and we do this using the DOWNWARD ARROW TECHNIQUE See the hand-out for a clearer idea of the process and try the at- home exercises

6. Other support? Tuesday 13 May: Learning Styles and Staying motivated; 9:00 Managing my relationships; 11:00 Money Matters; 12:30 Wednesday 14 May: Managing my relationships; 8:30 Learning styles and strategies; 10:00 Monday 19 May: Coping with exam stress and anxiety: 9:30 Time matters and goal setting; 11:30 Tuesday 20 May: Coping with exam stress and anxiety: 10:00 Thursday 22 May: Coping with fear of failure; 12:00 Learning Styles and Staying motivated; 13:30 Friday 23 May: Coping with exam stress and anxiety; 8:30