Anxiety, Depression and Resiliency

1. Anxiety, Depression and Resiliency

2. Axiety • Condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen (can be + or -) • Symptoms • Feelings of fear • Sweating, trembling, restlessness, tension • High heart rate, lightheadedness, short of breath

3. Managing Anxiety • Use stress management techniques • Redirecting your energy • Relaxation exercises

4. Depression • Everyone experiences feeling the “blues” • Depression lasts longer, is much stronger, and harder to manage • Symptoms • Irritable or restless • Withdrawal from friends and activities • Change in appetite or weight • Many people experience a few of these symptoms once in a while

5. Help for Anxiety and Depression • Mild forms/cases can be managed by talking to supportive people, increasing activity, or volunteering • When symptoms start to interfere with life you should seek help • Both are very treatable • Talk to a parent, counselor, school psychologist, etc.

6. Resiliency • Ability to adapt effectively and recover from disappointment, difficulty, or crisis.

7. Resiliency Factors • External Factors – little control of • Family, school, community, peers • Opportunities to participate • Internal Factors – have control of • Commitment to learning • Positive values • Social skills • Positive identity

8. Protective Factors • Conditions that shield individuals from the negative consequences of exposure to risk • Build resiliency by strengthening your protective factors • Become involved with activities • Stand up for your beliefs • Be honest with yourself and others • Resist negative peer pressure • Develop a sense of purpose • Develop a positive outlook