Page 83 - SafeCert Approved First Aid for Mental Health at Work (Level 3) | Trainers Manual

PAGE
82

Handouts

Anxiety, Panic Disorder and Phobia Facts

• 1 in 10 people will experience anxiety or a phobia at some point in their lives. Teaching

Signs and Symptoms of anxiety

Causes of anxiety

Research suggests that anxiety can be due to genes, or could be down to the
person‘s situation e.g. pressure or on-going worry about a problem. Using drugs
such as LSD and Ecstasy can sometimes cause anxiety, or something simple
such as caffeine in coffee can cause mild anxiety.

Mind Body
Feeling worried all the time Heart palpitations
Feeling tired Sweating Administration
Unable to concentrate Aching muscles and pain
Feeling irritable Heavy breathing
Sleeping badly Dizziness
Faintness
Indigestion
Diarrhoea

Panic attack

A panic attack is sudden onset of intense fear and worry.

Phobia

A person with a phobia has intense symptoms of anxiety that will happen from time to time when
confronted with something that frightens them. At other times they don‘t feel anxious. Examples of
phobias include fear of open space, heights. Sufferers may feel silly about their fear/phobia as they Lesson Plans
know there is no real worry but they are still unable to control it.

Recovery

Talking about the problem to friends or family can be beneficial. Finding ways to relax can help
control anxiety and tension. Everything from books and DVD‘s to seeking professional help.

Medication can help. This should be discussed with a GP

For more information: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Handouts
s

© Copyright 2021 Abertay International Training Ltd