2003 | 46 pages | Table of contents | Download PDF
How we cope with the symptoms of anxiety disorders on a daily basis plays a huge role in determining our current and future symptoms. When a person is informed and educated about their anxiety disorder(s), they are often more able to keep the symptoms in check and keep the interference due to excessive anxiety to a minimum.
This toolkit includes information about the characteristics of normal anxiety, the different types of anxiety disorders, effective treatment options, and basic self-care strategies that can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Also included is information about other easy-to-access, high-quality resources.
The toolkit will be most helpful for individuals coping with an anxiety disorder or problems with anxiety. Family, friends, health professionals, students and anyone who wants to learn more about the most common type of mental health problem will also find this toolkit a helpful resource...[PDF]
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Table of contents:
Introduction
Why do we need a toolkit for anxiety disorders?
How do I use this toolkit?
Disclaimer
What is anxiety?
What are common symptoms of anxiety?
Emotions (How we feel)
Body responses (How our bodies react)
Thoughts (What goes through our mind)
Behaviours (How we respond)
What are panic attacks?
How is normal anxiety different from an anxiety disorder?
How common are anxiety disorders?
How do I know if I have an anxiety disorder?
What do anxiety disorders all have in common?
How are anxiety disorders different from depression?
How are anxiety disorders different from stress?
What are risk factors for developing an anxiety disorder?
Genetic predisposition
An existing anxiety disorder
Perfectionism
Environmental factors
What is panic disorder?
What is agoraphobia?
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
What is social anxiety disorder?
What is generalized anxiety disorder?
What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
What are specific phobias?
Why should I consider getting treatment
What should I tell my health professional
Anxiety symptoms checklist
What are effective treatments for anxiety disorders
Medications
Cognitive-behavioural programs
What should I know about alternative or complementary treatments for anxiety disorders?
Are self-help groups useful?
What are effective ways of self-managing anxiety disorders?
Educating and empowering self
Managing bodily symptoms
Healthy thinking patterns
Building strengths: decreasing safety and avoidance behaviours
Relapse prevention
What can family and friends do to help?
What are problems that can coexist with an anxiety disorder?
Where do I go to get more help?
What are other useful resources for anxiety disorders?
Concluding remarks
How do I give my feedback about this toolkit?
Appendix 1: Self-test for anxiety
Appendix 2: Sources
