Slide 1 – Title Slide
Title: Understanding Anxiety
Subtitle: Mental Health Awareness Module
Your Name / Organisation
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Welcome learners. Explain this session will help them understand anxiety, how it affects people, and how to support others.
Slide 2 – What Will We Learn?
- What anxiety is
- Signs and symptoms
- Causes of anxiety
- Types of anxiety disorders
- Treatment and support
- How to help someone
- When to get help
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Explain the session is about learning and awareness — not diagnosis.
Slide 3 – What is Anxiety?
- Anxiety is a mental health condition
- Everyone feels anxious sometimes
- Anxiety becomes a problem when it is strong, long-lasting, or overwhelming
👉 It can affect:
- Thoughts
- Feelings
- Body
- Behaviour
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Normalise anxiety but explain when it becomes a disorder.
Slide 4 – Normal Anxiety vs Anxiety Disorder
Normal Anxiety:
- Short-term
- Linked to a situation
- Goes away
Anxiety Disorder:
- Long-term
- Happens often
- Interferes with daily life
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Give examples like exams vs constant worry.
Slide 5 – Signs of Anxiety
A person may feel:
- Worried or afraid
- Nervous or tense
- Restless
They may also have:
- Racing thoughts
- Trouble concentrating
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Explain that symptoms can vary from person to person.
Slide 6 – Physical Symptoms
Anxiety can affect the body:
- Fast heartbeat
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Feeling dizzy
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach problems
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Explain this is the “fight or flight” response.
Slide 7 – What is Happening in the Body?
- The brain thinks there is danger
- The body prepares to “fight or run away”
- This is called the stress response
👉 This can happen even when there is no real danger
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Link to survival system being “overactive.”
Slide 8 – Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by:
- Genetics (family history)
- Brain chemistry
- Trauma or stress
- Life events
- Medical conditions
- Environment
👉 Usually it is a combination of factors
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Avoid blaming the person.
Slide 9 – Types of Anxiety Disorders
Common types include:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
🗣 Speaker Notes:
You can explain each briefly or say they will be covered in later modules.
Slide 10 – How Anxiety Affects Daily Life
Anxiety can make it hard to:
- Work or study
- Sleep
- Socialise
- Make decisions
- Try new things
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Use real-life examples.
Slide 11 – Treatment for Anxiety
Anxiety can be treated with:
- Talking therapies (CBT, counselling)
- Medication (if needed)
- Lifestyle changes
- Support groups
👉 Help from a doctor or therapist is important
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Explain that treatment is effective.
Slide 12 – Coping Strategies
Helpful strategies include:
- Breathing exercises
- Relaxation techniques
- Exercise
- Healthy routine
- Talking to someone
🗣 Speaker Notes:
You can demonstrate a breathing exercise if teaching live.
Slide 13 – How to Support Someone
You can:
- Listen without judging
- Be patient
- Stay calm
- Encourage support
- Check in regularly
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Emphasise kindness and patience.
Slide 14 – What NOT to Say
Avoid saying:
- “Just calm down”
- “It’s not a big deal”
- “You’re overreacting”
👉 These can make anxiety worse
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Explain impact of invalidation.
Slide 15 – When to Get Help
Seek help if:
- Anxiety is severe or long-lasting
- It affects daily life
- The person cannot cope
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Encourage early support.
Slide 16 – Crisis Support
If someone is in crisis:
📞 U.S. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988
- Available 24/7
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Explain this is for emergencies and support.
Slide 17 – Key Messages
- Anxiety is common
- It is treatable
- People can recover
- Support makes a difference
🗣 Speaker Notes:
End with a positive message.
Slide 18 – Group Activity / Discussion
Ask:
- What helps you feel calm?
- What makes anxiety worse?
- How can we support others?
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Encourage participation.
Slide 19 – Quiz (Optional)
- Is anxiety always a problem?
- Name one symptom of anxiety
- Name one way to help someone
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Check understanding.
Slide 20 – Summary
- Anxiety affects mind and body
- It has many causes
- Treatment and support help
- Everyone can support others
🗣 Speaker Notes:
Thank learners and close session.
No comments:
Post a Comment