1. talking about it Anxiety Disorders

2. talking about it What are Anxiety Disorders Who is affected Risk factors for Anxiety Disorders Signs and Symptoms Treatments The lived experience of an Anxiety Disorder How to help someone experiencing an Anxiety Disorder Overview

3. talking about it “An Anxiety Disorder is a medical condition characterized by high levels of fear and anxiety that are out of proportion to an actual event or situation” What is an Anxiety Disorder?

4. talking about it Who is affected by Anxiety Disorders? 14.4% of the Australian population is affected by an Anxiety Disorder each year

5. talking about it Family history/Genetic factors Biochemical factors Environmental stressors Personal traits Risk factors for Anxiety Disorders

6. talking about it Intense experience of anxiety and panic Persistent, excessive or unrealistic worries Being on edge, uneasy or hyper vigilant Compulsions and obsessions which cannot be controlled An irrational fear of particular objects or situations Difficulty relaxing, concentrating and sleeping Physical symptoms Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

7. talking about it Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Panic Disorder Phobias: Agoraphobia, Specific Phobia and Social Phobia Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Types of Anxiety Disorders

8. talking about it Psychological therapies Medication Social and community support Treatments for Anxiety Disorders

9. talking about it “Anxiety Disorders are not exclusive to the white English speaking population. They affect people from all cultures” Cultural Perceptions

10. talking about it G Gather: information eg. observations, asking others. Look for signs and symptoms R Respond: talk and listen non judgmentally to the person and give reassurance I Involve others: encourage the person to seek professional help, either from a GP, Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Mental Health Services P Plan: to encourage the use of self help techniques such as support groups, medication compliance and stress management How to help someone who may be experiencing an Anxiety Disorder

11. talking about it Spot the signs and symptoms Seek professional help eg. see your GP Make changes in your life eg. reduce stress, learn some relaxation techniques, get the support of friends and family, reduce alcohol and other drug use Helping yourself

12. talking about it Myth or Fact? Mental illness only affects a few people Mentally ill people are violent People with a mental illness should be kept in hospital People with a mental illness never get better Questions for discussion

13. Living with an Anxiety Disorder

14. Questions?

15. talking about it An Anxiety Disorder is characterized by high levels of fear and anxiety that are out of proportion to an actual event or situation 1 in 7 Australians will experience an Anxiety Disorder each year Anxiety Disorders are triggered by a combination of risk factors Summary

16. talking about it Whilst there are many different types of Anxiety Disorders, most of these share common symptoms The most common treatment for Anxiety Disorders is psychological therapy GRIP Summary

17. talking about it Where to seek help and information Services See your local GP Mental Health Services Psychologist Psychiatrist Community Health Centre Local Support Groups Counselling Services Local Hospital

18. talking about it Where to seek help and information