Understanding Feelings, Body Reactions & Experience
🧠 WHAT IS ANXIETY? (CORE DEFINITION)
Anxiety is a natural human emotion.
It can include:
Panic
Stress
Emotional distress
Worry and nervousness
Overthinking
Tension in the body and mind
👉 Anxiety can range from mild feelings to very intense
experiences
⚡ PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY
Anxiety can affect the body in strong ways, including:
Fast heart rate
Sweating
Trembling
Hyperventilation (fast breathing)
Muscle tension
Feeling shaky or dizzy
👉 These are part of the body’s “fight or flight”
response
🧠 MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SYMPTOMS
Anxiety can also affect thinking and emotions:
Constant worry
Overthinking
Nervousness
Racing thoughts
Feeling on edge
Difficulty relaxing
⚠️ IMPORTANT UNDERSTANDING ABOUT SEVERITY
In very severe cases, anxiety can:
Strongly affect physical health
Increase stress on the body
Contribute to panic attacks
Be linked with serious health risks
👉 Anxiety is NOT usually the direct cause of conditions
like heart attacks or strokes,
but long-term stress can affect overall health
🧩 TYPES OF ANXIETY (EXPERIENCE-BASED)
Anxiety does not look the same for everyone.
🌍 1. Difficulty with New Situations
Struggling with change
Fear of new environments
Avoiding new people or places
👉 Even positive change can feel overwhelming
🕰️ 2. Difficulty Moving On
Holding onto past events
Replaying negative memories
Overthinking past experiences
👉 Often linked with trauma or rumination
🤝 3. Trust Difficulties
Finding it hard to trust others
Fear of being hurt or let down
Past experiences affecting present relationships
👉 This can affect anyone, including autistic
individuals, but not only them
🔁 4. Anxiety and Routine Disruption
Strong distress when routines change
Difficulty adapting to unexpected events
🧠 ANXIETY AND HUMAN EXPERIENCE
Anxiety can:
Come from life experiences
Be influenced by upbringing
Be linked to stress or trauma
Be shaped by environment and relationships
👉 Everyone experiences anxiety differently
🧠 INFLUENCE OF UPBRINGING
Family and childhood experiences can shape how people
understand emotions:
Some people learn to suppress emotions
Some grow up around aggressive behaviour
Some are not encouraged to talk about feelings
👉 These early experiences can affect emotional
expression in adulthood
⚠️ ANXIETY AND OTHER EMOTIONS
Anxiety can connect with:
Anger
Stress
Depression
Shame
Loneliness
Fear
👉 Anxiety is often part of a wider emotional response
🧠 ANXIETY AND THINKING PATTERNS
Anxiety can cause:
Repetitive thoughts
Intrusive worries
“What if” thinking
Difficulty switching off
🧠 ANXIETY AND PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after
traumatic experiences.
Symptoms may include:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Avoiding reminders of trauma
Feeling constantly on edge
Emotional numbness
Sleep difficulties
⚠️ CAUSES OF TRAUMA MAY INCLUDE
Abuse
Violence
Accidents
Loss or bereavement
Life-threatening events
👉 Trauma can have long-lasting effects, even after the
event has passed
🧠 MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL ILLNESS (CONTEXT)
Mental Health:
Everyone has it
How we think, feel, and cope
Mental Illness:
A diagnosable condition
Affects daily functioning
👉 Good mental health is not the same as “no illness”
⚠️ WHY PEOPLE STRUGGLE TO SEEK HELP
Some barriers include:
Not knowing what support looks like
Fear of judgement
Previous negative experiences
Coping alone for a long time
Fear of emotional reactions
🧠 UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT
To support anxiety properly, professionals may:
Take time to understand the person
Explore past experiences
Identify triggers
Build trust slowly
👉 Understanding takes time
🌱 HOW ANXIETY CAN BE MANAGED
Support may include:
Talking therapies (e.g. CBT)
Medication (in some cases)
Coping strategies
Emotional regulation skills
Lifestyle support
Trauma-informed care
🌬️ COPING STRATEGIES
Deep breathing
Grounding techniques
Routine building
Talking to someone trusted
Taking breaks
Physical movement
Writing thoughts down
🧠 IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT ANXIETY
Anxiety is normal
Anxiety is not weakness
Anxiety affects everyone differently
Anxiety can be treated and managed
🌱 EASY READ SUMMARY
Anxiety is a normal emotion
It can affect body, thoughts, and feelings
It can be mild or severe
It is linked to life experiences and stress
Trauma can have long-lasting effects
Support and understanding help
💙 KEY MESSAGE
“Anxiety is a natural response to stress and life
experiences — understanding it helps people feel safer, supported, and less
alone.”
✨ FINAL TRAINING INSIGHT
“Anxiety is not just worry — it is a full mind and body
experience shaped by life, memory, and emotion.”
🌱 CHAPTER 6 – MODULE 5 (EXTENSION)
ANXIETY DISORDERS – Understanding Excessive Fear, Worry
& Impact
🧠 WHAT ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS?
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health
conditions.
They involve:
Excessive fear
Constant worry
Ongoing dread
Strong emotional distress
👉 These feelings are more intense and longer-lasting
than normal anxiety
⚠️ KEY DIFFERENCE
Normal anxiety →
temporary and manageable
Anxiety disorder →
long-lasting and affects daily life
👉 Anxiety disorders interfere with how a person lives,
works, and feels
🧠 MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
🔁 Excessive Worry
Constant fear about everyday things
Hard to control thoughts
Worry feels “stuck”
Examples:
Health
Money
Safety
Relationships
⚡ Physical Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can affect the body:
Fast heart rate
Sweating
Shaking or trembling
Nausea
Dizziness
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Sleep problems
🚪 Avoidance Behaviours
People may:
Avoid places
Avoid people
Avoid situations that cause anxiety
👉 Avoidance can make anxiety stronger over time
⏳ Duration
Symptoms often last:
👉 6 months or longer
🧩 TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
🌍 Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Constant, long-term worry
Focus on everyday life concerns
Hard to control anxiety
⚡ Panic Disorder
Sudden panic attacks
Intense fear or physical symptoms
Feeling like something terrible will happen
🤝 Social Anxiety Disorder
Fear of being judged
Fear of embarrassment
Avoiding social situations
🕷️ Phobias
Strong fear of specific things or situations
Fear is intense and often irrational
Examples:
Heights
Animals
Enclosed spaces
👨👩👧
Separation Anxiety
Fear of being away from loved ones
Feeling unsafe when separated
Can affect both children and adults
🧠 CAUSES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
There is no single cause.
They may be linked to:
Genetics (family history)
Brain chemistry differences
Life experiences
Trauma
Long-term stress
👉 Usually a combination of factors
⚠️ IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE
Anxiety disorders can affect:
Work or school
Relationships
Sleep
Health
Daily routines
Confidence and self-esteem
🧠 TREATMENT AND SUPPORT
Anxiety disorders are highly treatable.
🧠 Psychological Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Talking therapies
Exposure-based support
💊 Medication
Antidepressants
Anti-anxiety medication
🌿 Lifestyle & Coping Support
Exercise
Mindfulness
Relaxation techniques
Stress management strategies
🌬️ SELF-HELP AND MANAGEMENT
Helpful strategies include:
Deep breathing
Grounding techniques
Routine building
Reducing stress triggers
Talking to someone trusted
Learning coping skills
⚠️ IMPORTANT MESSAGE
👉 Anxiety disorders are:
Real
Common
Treatable
But they should not be ignored if they affect daily
life
🧠 WHEN TO SEEK HELP
It is important to get support if:
Anxiety affects daily life
Worry feels constant or overwhelming
Physical symptoms are frequent
Avoidance is limiting life
👉 Support from a healthcare professional can help
🌱 EASY READ SUMMARY
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions
They involve strong, long-lasting fear or worry
They affect thoughts, feelings, and the body
There are different types of anxiety disorders
Causes include stress, genetics, and life experiences
Treatment and support can help
💙 KEY MESSAGE
“Anxiety disorders are real medical conditions — and
with the right support, people can manage symptoms and improve their quality of
life.”
✨ FINAL TRAINING INSIGHT
“Anxiety disorders are not just worry — they are
complex mind and body conditions that need understanding, support, and care.”
🧠 MODULE 5 – ANXIETY
📘 STANDARD TEXT – OVERVIEW
Anxiety disorder involves excessive worry or fear that
can affect daily life.
It is more intense and longer-lasting than normal worry
and can interfere with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
🧩 TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Phobias
⚡ COMMON SYMPTOMS
Anxiety can affect both mind and body:
Constant worry
Heart racing
Sweating
Restlessness
Physical tension
Avoidance of situations
🧠 WHY IT CAN BE CONFUSING
Anxiety can sometimes:
Look like everyday stress
Appear in many different conditions
Be mistaken for personality traits
Vary from person to person
🌿 SUPPORT OPTIONS
Anxiety is treatable. Support may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Relaxation techniques
Medication (if needed)
Coping skills and routines
👉 Important message:
It is okay to say it is not okay.
🟢 EASY READ VERSION
Anxiety means feeling very worried or scared
It can affect your body and mind
There are different types of anxiety
Everyone experiences it differently
Help is available
👉 It is okay to say it is not okay
📊 POWERPOINT VERSION
Slide 1 – Title
🧠 What is Anxiety?
Slide 2 – What is Anxiety?
Worry and fear that can affect daily life
Slide 3 – Types
GAD
Panic disorder
Social anxiety
Phobias
Slide 4 – Symptoms
Worry
Physical symptoms
Avoidance
Restlessness
Slide 5 – Support
CBT
Relaxation
Medication (if needed)
Slide 6 – Key Message
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay
🪧 POSTER VERSION
🧠 ANXIETY = WORRY AND FEAR
It can affect how you think, feel, and act.
👉 Talk to someone
👉 Support is available
👉 You are not alone
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay
🌟 FINAL KEY MESSAGE
“Anxiety is common, treatable, and different for
everyone — support and understanding can make a real difference.”
🧠 CHAPTER 6 – MODULE 5 (EXTENDED)
ANXIETY, SUPPORT NEEDS & RELATED EATING DISORDER
UNDERSTANDING
📘 ANXIETY – ENVIRONMENTAL ADJUSTMENTS & SUPPORT
🔷 LEVEL 2 – PRACTICAL SUPPORT
Some people with anxiety may need changes in their
environment to feel safe and supported.
🌿 Environmental adjustments can include:
Quiet spaces
Reduced sensory overload
Clear routines
Predictable environments
Calm and supportive communication
👉 These changes help reduce triggers and improve
wellbeing
💊 Medication (If Required)
Some people may be prescribed medication to help manage
anxiety.
Medication may:
Reduce symptoms
Support emotional stability
Be used alongside therapy
👉 Medication is not always needed
👉 Decisions should always be made by qualified
professionals
📘 LEVEL 3 – PROFESSIONAL / EDUCATOR UNDERSTANDING
🧠 ADVANCED UNDERSTANDING OF ANXIETY
Anxiety can involve cognitive distortions, such as:
Catastrophising (expecting the worst)
Overgeneralising
Black-and-white thinking
⚡ BRAIN AND BODY RESPONSE
Anxiety activates the nervous system:
Fight
Flight
Freeze
🧠 LONG-TERM IMPACT
Chronic anxiety can affect:
Brain development in children
Emotional regulation
Learning and memory
🧪 ASSESSMENT APPROACH
Professionals may use:
Clinical interviews
Diagnostic tools (e.g. GAD-7)
Behavioural observation
Multi-agency input (school, health, social care)
👉 Assessment must be holistic and person-centred
🧠 INTERVENTION STRATEGIES
Effective support may include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-informed approaches
Behavioural strategies
Sensory-aware environments
⚠️ SAFEGUARDING NOTE
If someone expresses:
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
👉 Immediate safeguarding action is required
Professionals must:
Take disclosures seriously
Follow safeguarding procedures
Ensure immediate safety
🥗 EATING DISORDERS – EASY READ GUIDE
🧠 WHAT ARE EATING DISORDERS?
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions.
They affect:
Thoughts
Feelings
Eating behaviours
Physical health
👉 They are not just about food or weight
⚠️ MAIN TYPES
1. Anorexia Nervosa
Eating very little food
Strong fear of weight gain
Very low body weight
May not see how serious it is
2. Bulimia Nervosa
Eating large amounts of food (binge eating)
Trying to remove food (vomiting, fasting, exercise,
laxatives)
Repeating cycle
3. Binge Eating Disorder
Eating large amounts quickly
Feeling out of control
Feeling guilt or distress afterwards
No purging behaviour
4. Other Types
OSFED
UFED
👉 These are also serious and require support
🧠 KEY FACTS
Can affect anyone
Not a choice
Can be life-threatening
Affect both mind and body
⚠️ HEALTH RISKS
Eating disorders can lead to:
Heart problems
Fainting or collapse
Dehydration
Hormonal imbalance
Emotional distress
🤝 SAFE SUPPORT
Support should include:
Medical monitoring
Emotional reassurance
Safe eating support (not forceful)
Professional help (doctor, therapist, dietitian)
👉 Support must be kind, calm, and non-judgemental
❓ EASY READ QUIZ
Eating disorders are about:
b) Serious problems with food, body image, and health
Anorexia Nervosa is:
b) Eating very little and fear of weight gain
Bulimia Nervosa is:
b) Binge eating then trying to remove food
Binge Eating Disorder is:
a) Eating large amounts with no control and feeling bad
Eating disorders can affect anyone:
a) Yes
📊 POWERPOINT VERSION – EATING DISORDERS
Eating Disorders: A Whole Health Condition
What Are Eating Disorders?
Why This Matters
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Impact
Who Should Understand
Key Message
🧠 LEVEL 1 ASSESSMENT
Eating disorders affect:
c) Both mental and physical health
Who should understand them?
b) All health professionals
Can people know they are unwell?
a) Yes
Are eating disorders a choice?
b) No
🎭 ROLE PLAY SCENARIO
“I know something is wrong, but I’m scared to eat
properly.”
Good response:
Stay calm
Be kind
Do not judge
Acknowledge feelings
Offer support
Refer appropriately
👉 People may understand they are unwell but still feel
unable to change
🪧 PRINTABLE POSTER
🥗 EATING DISORDERS ARE SERIOUS
✔ Affect body and mind
✔ Not a choice
✔ Can affect anyone
✔ May involve awareness of illness
Support should be:
✔ Kind
✔ Safe
✔ Non-judgemental
✔ Person-centred
🌿 KEY TRAINING MESSAGE (YOUR INSIGHT PRESERVED)
Eating disorders are often misunderstood.
Barriers include:
Disability or illness
Anxiety or trauma
Low energy or motivation
Cost or access issues
Physical limitations
👉 Support must always be realistic, flexible, and
person-centered
💙 FINAL PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT
“Effective support means understanding both the mind
and body — and removing barriers that stop people from getting help.”
🧠 UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY – FULL TRAINING + EASY READ
MODULE
📘 WHAT IS ANXIETY? (CORE DEFINITIONS + OVERVIEW)
Anxiety is a mental health condition involving:
Excessive worry or fear
Panic or stress
Emotional distress
Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, fast
heartbeat
Overthinking and tension
Anxiety becomes a problem when it is:
Strong
Long-lasting
Hard to control
Affects daily life
👉 Everyone feels anxiety sometimes. It becomes a
disorder when it is overwhelming or persistent.
🧠 TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety disorders include:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – constant worry
Panic Disorder – sudden panic attacks
Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of social situations
Phobias – strong fear of specific things
Separation Anxiety – fear of being away from people
PTSD – trauma-related anxiety
⚠️ KEY CHARACTERISTICS
Anxiety can include:
Excessive worry (health, money, safety, life events)
Racing heart
Sweating
Trembling
Nausea or dizziness
Muscle tension
Sleep problems
Avoiding situations
👉 Symptoms usually last 6 months or more in diagnosed
disorders.
🧠 WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE BODY?
The brain may think there is danger.
This triggers the:
👉 Fight
👉 Flight
👉 Freeze response
This can happen even when there is no real danger.
🌍 WHY ANXIETY HAPPENS
Anxiety can be linked to:
Genetics (family history)
Brain chemistry
Trauma or stress
Life experiences
Medical conditions
Environment
👉 It is usually a combination of factors.
🧩 TYPES OF ANXIETY (EXPERIENCE-BASED VIEW)
Anxiety can show as:
Difficulty with new situations
Trouble moving on from the past
Trust issues
Overthinking
Avoidance of people or places
Some people:
Think “everyone feels like this”
Don’t realise they are struggling
Use coping behaviours without noticing
🧠 ANXIETY AND EVERYDAY LIFE
Anxiety can affect:
Sleep
Work or school
Relationships
Decision making
Social life
It may also affect people living with the person,
including sleep disruption and stress in the household.
🧠 ANXIETY AND EMOTIONS
Anxiety can link with:
Anger
Fear
Shame
Sadness
Overwhelm
Sometimes anger or avoidance is a response to anxiety.
🧠 ANXIETY AND UPBRINGING / LIFE EXPERIENCE
People learn emotional responses from:
Childhood experiences
Family reactions
Past trauma
Environment
Some people learn to:
Hide emotions
Express emotions strongly
Avoid emotions
🧠 ANXIETY AND MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTION
Anxiety often appears alongside:
Depression
Trauma
Stress disorders
Emotional dysregulation
👉 It is affected by mental health, but also affects
mental health.
🧠 ANXIETY AND TRUST / NEW SITUATIONS
People may struggle with:
New places
New people
Change (positive or negative)
Unexpected events
🧠 HOW ANXIETY CAN LOOK IN REAL LIFE
A person may:
Worry constantly
Avoid situations
Overthink everything
Feel physical stress
Struggle to relax
Feel overwhelmed easily
🧠 WHEN ANXIETY BECOMES A PROBLEM
It may be a problem when:
It controls daily life
It causes avoidance
It affects relationships
It causes distress
It is constant or overwhelming
🧠 TREATMENT AND SUPPORT
Anxiety can be treated with:
Talking therapy (CBT)
Medication (if needed)
Stress management
Mindfulness
Exercise
Routine building
Support groups
👉 Treatment is effective and often combines approaches.
🧠 COPING STRATEGIES
Helpful strategies include:
Deep breathing
Grounding techniques
Taking breaks
Relaxation exercises
Talking to someone
Safe routines
Sensory tools
🧠 ENVIRONMENTAL ADJUSTMENTS
Support may include:
Quiet spaces
Reduced sensory overload
Predictable routines
Clear communication
Calm environments
👉 Adjustments reduce triggers and support wellbeing.
🧠 SUPPORTING SOMEONE WITH ANXIETY
You can:
Listen without judgement
Be patient
Stay calm
Encourage support
Respect boundaries
Check in regularly
❌ WHAT NOT TO SAY
Avoid:
“Just calm down”
“It’s not a big deal”
“You’re overreacting”
👉 These can make anxiety worse.
🧠 WHEN TO GET HELP
Get support if:
Anxiety is severe
It lasts a long time
It affects daily life
The person cannot cope
🚨 CRISIS SUPPORT (U.S.)
If someone is in crisis:
📞 Call or text 988
Available 24/7
🌍 GLOBAL SUPPORT RESOURCES
🇬🇧 UK
NHS Anxiety Support
Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk
🇺🇸 USA
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
CDC Anxiety Information
🇦🇺 AUSTRALIA
Beyond Blue
Lifeline Australia
🌍 WORLDWIDE
WHO Mental Health Resources
FindTreatment.gov
🧠 SAFEGUARDING NOTE
If someone expresses:
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
👉 Immediate action and referral to crisis services is
required.
🧠 KEY MESSAGE
Anxiety is common
Anxiety is real
Anxiety is treatable
Support makes a difference
Recovery is possible
👉 It’s okay to say it’s not okay.
🧩 EASY READ SUMMARY
Anxiety = worry and fear
It affects body and mind
There are different types
It can be treated
Help is available
Support matters
📊 POWERPOINT STRUCTURE (COMBINED VERSION)
Title Slide – Understanding Anxiety
What is Anxiety
Normal Anxiety vs Disorder
Signs and Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
Fight or Flight Response
Causes of Anxiety
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety in Daily Life
Anxiety and Emotions
Anxiety and Mental Health
Environmental Triggers
Treatment Options
Coping Strategies
Supporting Others
What Not to Say
When to Get Help
Crisis Support
Key Messages
SEASY READ BOOKLET: UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
🧠 WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is a feeling.
It can make you feel:
Worried
Nervous
Scared
Stressed
Everyone feels anxiety sometimes.
👉 Anxiety becomes a problem when it:
Happens a lot
Feels very strong
Affects daily life
💭 HOW ANXIETY FEELS
Anxiety can feel like:
Panic
Something bad might happen
You cannot relax
You may feel:
Overwhelmed
On edge
Out of control
❤️ PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS (BODY)
Anxiety affects your body.
You might have:
Fast heartbeat ❤️
Sweating 💧
Shaking or trembling
Fast breathing (hyperventilating)
Feeling dizzy or sick
👉 These feelings can be strong and scary.
🧠 THINKING SYMPTOMS
Anxiety affects thoughts.
You may:
Worry a lot
Overthink things
Expect the worst
Find it hard to concentrate
Feel tense
⚠️ SEVERE ANXIETY
Severe anxiety can:
Feel like a panic attack
Make the body feel out of control
Long-term anxiety can affect health.
👉 It may increase stress on the body and contribute to
health problems.
⚠️ Anxiety does not usually directly cause these, but it
can make health worse over time.
🌍 EVERYDAY ANXIETY EXPERIENCES
Anxiety can show up in different ways.
👥 NEW SITUATIONS
You may:
Feel scared to meet new people
Avoid new places
Struggle with change
👉 This is common in social anxiety.
🔁 DIFFICULTY MOVING ON
You may:
Think about the past a lot
Replay bad experiences
Struggle to let things go
🤝 TRUST ISSUES
You may:
Find it hard to trust people
Feel unsafe around others
This can happen after:
Difficult relationships
Negative experiences
🧩 ANXIETY AND AUTISM
People with Autism Spectrum Disorder may:
Feel anxious about changes
Need routine
Feel overwhelmed by unexpected events
👉 But anxiety can affect anyone, not just autistic
people.
😡 ANXIETY AND ANGER
Anxiety and anger are connected.
When anxious, people may feel:
Frustrated
Overwhelmed
Out of control
Anger can come from:
Feeling unsafe
Feeling powerless
Feeling misunderstood
🏠 HOW LIFE EXPERIENCES AFFECT ANXIETY
Your past can affect anxiety.
This includes:
Childhood experiences
Family environment
Trauma
Relationships
👉 People learn different ways to deal with emotions.
⚖️ EXPRESSING FEELINGS
It can be hard to:
Talk about feelings
Ask for help
Some people:
Keep emotions inside
Worry about upsetting others
👉 Holding everything in can make anxiety worse.
🧠 TRAUMA AND ANXIETY
Some anxiety is linked to trauma.
This can lead to:
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Symptoms include:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Avoiding reminders
Feeling on edge
Trouble sleeping
👉 Trauma can have long-lasting effects.
📊 TYPES OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Common types include:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Phobias
💬 MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health means:
How we think
How we feel
How we cope
Good mental health is:
Not just the absence of illness
Being able to cope with life
🆘 GETTING HELP
It is okay to ask for help ❤️
You can:
Talk to a doctor
Speak to a teacher or support worker
Talk to family or friends
🧘 SUPPORT AND TREATMENT
Help may include:
Talking therapies
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Medication (if needed)
Support groups
💡 IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Anxiety is:
Real
Common
Treatable
👉 You are not alone ❤️
📌 FINAL MESSAGE
Everyone experiences anxiety differently.
👉 With the right support:
People can manage anxiety
People can feel better
People can live full life
Summary
🧠 SLIDE 10 – ANXIETY & MENTAL HEALTH (FULL TRAINING
PACK)
🟦 STANDARD VERSION (TRAINING / PROFESSIONAL)
Title: Anxiety & Mental Health
📘 Definition
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear ranging
from mild to severe.
It is a normal response to stress
Anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent, and
uncontrollable worry
Often future-focused, based on uncertainty or perceived
threats
⚖️ Stress vs Anxiety
Stress
Response to a current external situation
Has a clear cause
Example: “I have a deadline today”
Anxiety
Future-focused worry
May not have a clear cause
Example: “Something bad might happen”
🧠 Shared Symptoms
Both stress and anxiety can include:
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
💔 Depression & Anxiety Support
Treatment options:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Medication (e.g. SSRIs)
Coping strategies:
Regular exercise
Healthy sleep routine
Balanced diet
Social support
Professional help:
Important for long-term or severe symptoms
💪 Strengths & Potential Benefits
Anxiety can sometimes:
Increase alertness
Improve preparation
Improve focus (in small amounts)
Improve awareness of risk and safety
🟩 EASY READ VERSION
🧠 What is Anxiety?
😟 Anxiety is feeling worried, scared, or nervous
🧠 It can be mild or very strong
⚠️ Sometimes it lasts a long time and affects daily life
⚡ Stress vs Anxiety
⚡ Stress
Happens now
Has a clear reason
👉 “I have too much to do today”
😟 Anxiety
Worry about the future
May not have a clear reason
👉 “Something bad might happen”
🤝 Support
You can:
Talk to someone
See a doctor
Exercise and relax
Sleep well
Eat healthy food
💪 Strengths
Anxiety can help people:
Stay alert
Prepare better
Focus
Stay safe
✨ With support, anxiety can be managed
🧾 EASY READ HANDOUT (PRINTABLE)
🧠 Anxiety & Mental Health
😟 Anxiety = worry about what might happen
⚡ Stress = worry about what is happening now
💔 Anxiety can affect:
Thoughts
Feelings
Daily life
🤝 What helps?
✔ Talk to someone
✔ Keep a routine
✔ Exercise
✔ Sleep well
✔ Ask for help
💡 Good to know
Anxiety can help you:
Stay focused
Be prepared
Stay safe
📝 ACTIVITY SHEET
1. Match the sentence
Sentence Answer
“I have too much to do today” Stress
“What if I fail in the future?” Anxiety
“I feel low all the time” Depression
2. What helps me?
✍️ When I feel worried, I can: __________
✍️ A person who helps me: __________
✍️ One thing I can do today: __________
3. True or False
Anxiety can affect daily life → ✅ True
Anxiety is always bad → ❌ False
Talking helps → ✅ True
🎤 TRAINER NOTES
🧠 Key teaching points
Anxiety = future-focused
Stress = present-focused
Everyone experiences anxiety
📘 Important explanation
“A small amount of anxiety can help performance, but
too much can stop learning.”
🧩 Link to learning needs
Increased pressure →
increased stress
Repeated difficulty → growing
anxiety
Risk of depression if unsupported
⚠️ Safeguarding note
Watch for:
Withdrawal
Panic symptoms
Avoidance of school/work
👉 Refer to professionals when needed
🌟 FINAL SUMMARY
Anxiety is common
Anxiety is real
Anxiety is treatable
Support makes a difference
People can recover and thrive
🧠 ANXIETY – EASY READ LEVEL 1 & 2 (FULL GUIDE)
🟦 LEVEL 1 – VERY SIMPLE GUIDE
📘 Title
Anxiety – Easy Read Level 1
Student & Parent-Friendly Guide
🧠 What is Anxiety?
Anxiety means feeling:
Worried
Scared
Nervous
Everyone feels anxiety sometimes.
👉 Anxiety can make daily life harder.
💭 How Anxiety Can Feel
You may feel:
Scared or nervous
Shaky or sick
Like something bad will happen
⚠️ Signs of Anxiety
Worrying a lot
Headaches or stomach aches
Trouble sleeping
Hard to focus
🏫 Anxiety at School
Worry about lessons or tests
Not wanting to go to school
Asking for reassurance a lot
🤝 How We Can Help
You can:
Talk to a trusted adult
Take slow deep breaths
Use routines and breaks
Ask for help
🆘 Help & Support
You can talk to:
👨👩👧 Trusted
adult (parent, guardian, relative)
🏫 Teacher or school staff (teacher, TA, counsellor)
🩺 Doctor or nurse
📞 Helplines or online support
💡 Important Note
It is okay to ask for help.
Feeling anxious is normal.
👉 Help is available.
🟨 LEVEL 2 – MORE DETAIL GUIDE
📘 Title
Anxiety – Easy Read Level 2
Student & Parent-Friendly Guide
🧠 What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of:
Worry
Fear
Nervousness
It is normal in situations like:
Tests
New experiences
👉 Sometimes anxiety becomes too strong to manage alone.
⚠️ When Anxiety Becomes a Problem
Anxiety can:
Affect school and friendships
Stop people enjoying activities
Make daily life harder
👉 This may be called an anxiety disorder.
💭 Common Signs and Symptoms
Worrying about school, family, or health
Avoiding places or activities
Headaches, stomach pain, or nausea
Feeling tired
Trouble sleeping
🧠 Feelings and Behaviour
People may:
Get upset or tearful easily
Feel irritated or overwhelmed
Find it hard to concentrate
Ask for reassurance often
🤝 Ways to Support Anxiety
You can:
Listen and take worries seriously
Use calm breathing or grounding techniques
Keep routines clear and predictable
Ask for help from school or health services
🆘 Help & Support
You can talk to:
👨👩👧 Trusted
adult (parent, guardian, relative)
🏫 Teacher or school staff (teacher, TA, counsellor)
🩺 Doctor or nurse
📞 Helplines or online support
💡 Optional Important Note
Asking for help is okay
Feeling anxious is normal
Support is available
🌟 FINAL KEY MESSAGE (BOTH LEVELS)
Anxiety is common
Anxiety is real
Anxiety can be managed
Support makes a difference
People can feel better with help🧠 ANXIETY – FULL TRAINING & EASY READ MODULE PACK
📘 1. What is Anxiety? (Core Definitions – Mixed Sources)
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, nervousness, or
unease.
It can include:
Intense worry or panic
Stress and emotional distress
Physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, sweating,
trembling
Overthinking and tension
Feeling overwhelmed or on edge
Anxiety becomes a problem when:
It happens a lot
It is very strong
It affects daily life
👉 Anxiety is often linked to uncertainty, fear of the
future, or perceived threat
🧠 2. Stress vs Anxiety (Simple Comparison)
Stress Anxiety
Happens now About
the future
Has clear cause May
have no clear cause
Short-term Can be
long-term
“I have an exam today” “Something
bad might happen”
Both can cause:
Tension
Irritability
Sleep problems
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
🧩 3. Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
Emotional / Thinking:
Worrying a lot
Fear or panic
Overthinking
Expecting the worst
Racing thoughts
Physical:
Fast heartbeat ❤️
Sweating 💧
Shaking
Dizziness
Stomach pain
Trouble sleeping
Behaviour:
Avoiding places
Asking for reassurance
Withdrawal
Difficulty focusing
🌍 4. Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Phobias
Separation Anxiety
Agoraphobia
OCD
PTSD (trauma-related anxiety)
🧠 5. Anxiety in Everyday Life (Real Experiences)
Anxiety can look like:
Avoiding school or work
Fear of meeting new people
Difficulty changing routines
Overthinking past events
Trouble trusting others
Feeling overwhelmed in busy places
👉 Anxiety can affect anyone, including children,
teenagers, and adults.
🧬 6. Causes of Anxiety
There is no single cause.
It may be linked to:
Genetics (family history)
Brain chemistry
Trauma or past experiences
Stressful life events
Environment
Health conditions
❤️ 7. Anxiety and Mental Health Link
Anxiety is closely connected to mental health.
It can appear alongside:
Depression
Stress
Trauma
Autism or ADHD (not exclusive, but overlapping
experiences)
👉 Anxiety can affect sleep, relationships, and daily
functioning.
⚠️ 8. Anxiety, Anger & Emotional Dysregulation
Anxiety can sometimes lead to:
Anger
Irritability
Overwhelm
Emotional outbursts
This happens because the brain enters a fight/flight
response.
🧠 9. PTSD & Trauma Link
Some anxiety is linked to trauma:
PTSD symptoms may include:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Avoidance
Feeling on edge
Sleep problems
🧘 10. Support & Treatment
Psychological Support:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Talking therapies
Trauma-informed therapy
Medical Support:
Medication (if needed)
GP or specialist support
Lifestyle Support:
Exercise
Sleep routines
Healthy diet
Relaxation techniques
Mindfulness
🏫 11. Environmental Adjustments
Helpful changes include:
Quiet spaces
Clear routines
Predictable environments
Reduced sensory overload
Supportive communication
🧠 12. Coping Strategies
Deep breathing (box breathing)
Grounding techniques
Taking breaks
Movement or exercise
Writing thoughts down
Talking to someone trusted
Using calming objects
❤️ 13. Key Messages (All Levels)
Anxiety is real and common
It is treatable
It affects thoughts, feelings, and the body
Support makes a big difference
People are not alone
👉 It’s okay to say: “It’s not okay, and I need help.”
🟢 EASY READ VERSION (LEVEL 1)
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety means feeling:
Worried
Scared
Nervous
Everyone feels it sometimes.
Signs
Fast heartbeat ❤️
Shaking
Worrying
Feeling sick
Trouble sleeping
Types
General anxiety
Panic
Social anxiety
Fears (phobias)
Help
Talk to someone
Take deep breaths
Keep routines
Ask for support
👉 Help is available
🟡 LEVEL 2 TRAINING VERSION
Anxiety may be long-term
It affects learning, work, and relationships
It can be linked to stress, trauma, or environment
Behavioural patterns can develop over time
Support includes CBT, routines, coping skills, and
adjustments
👉 Recovery is not linear
🔵 LEVEL 3 PROFESSIONAL VERSION
Anxiety involves cognitive distortions
(catastrophising, overgeneralising)
Activates fight/flight nervous system response
Affects emotional regulation and memory
Requires holistic assessment
Assessment tools:
Clinical interviews
GAD-7
Behavioural observation
Multi-agency input
Safeguarding:
Immediate action required if self-harm or suicide risk
is disclosed
📊 POWERPOINT STRUCTURE (COMBINED MODULE)
Title Slide
What is Anxiety?
Normal vs Disorder
Signs & Symptoms
Physical Effects
Causes
Types
Anxiety in Life
Stress vs Anxiety
Support & Treatment
Coping Strategies
Environmental Adjustments
Anger & Anxiety Link
PTSD Overview
Getting Help
Key Messages
Quiz
Summary
❓ QUIZ (LEVEL 1)
What is anxiety?
Name one symptom
What is panic disorder?
Is anxiety normal sometimes?
Name one way to get help
🌟 FINAL MESSAGE
Anxiety is:
Common
Treatable
Different for everyone
👉 With the right support, people can live full, safe,
and meaningful lives.STRESS & ANXIETY – EASY READ & TRAINING MODULE
🧠 1. What is Stress?
Stress is how your body and mind react to pressure or
demands in life.
Stress is not a mental illness
It is a natural response
👉 A small amount of stress can help you:
Stay alert
Get things done
Focus better
But too much stress can:
Make you feel unwell
Affect your emotions
Make daily life harder
🌍 2. Even Good Things Can Cause Stress
Stress can come from positive or negative situations.
Examples:
Exams 📚
Starting a new job 💼
Driving lessons 🚗
Moving house 🏠
Big life changes
👉 You can feel happy and stressed at the same time
This can feel confusing or tiring.
⚠️ 3. Signs of Stress
Stress affects the body, mind, and emotions.
Physical signs:
Headaches
Tense muscles
Upset stomach
Tiredness
Sleep problems
Emotional signs:
Feeling overwhelmed
Feeling angry or upset
Feeling unable to cope
Behaviour changes:
Eating more or less
Sleeping too much or too little
Avoiding tasks
🧩 4. Causes of Stress
Stress can be caused by:
Money problems
Work or job loss
Family or relationship issues
Big life changes (positive or negative)
Health worries
Feeling overwhelmed
Too many responsibilities
Global events or crises
🧠 5. Stress vs Anxiety (Simple Understanding)
Stress Anxiety
About current situation About
future or unknown
Has clear cause May
not have clear cause
Usually short-term Can
be long-term
⚠️ 6. Unhelpful Coping
Some people may cope with stress by:
Drinking alcohol
Using drugs
Avoiding problems
👉 These can make things worse over time.
🌱 7. Healthy Ways to Manage Stress
You can try:
Breaking tasks into small steps
Setting realistic goals
Deep breathing exercises
Stretching or gentle movement
Talking to someone you trust
Taking breaks
Looking after sleep and health
Asking for help
💡 8. Key Messages
Stress is normal
It can affect anyone
It is not a weakness
Help is available
You are not alone
👉 It is always okay to ask for help
🟢 EASY READ VERSION
What is Stress?
Stress is when your body feels pressure.
Some stress is normal.
Too much stress can make you feel unwell.
Signs of Stress
Headache
Tiredness
Upset stomach
Feeling angry or upset
Trouble sleeping
Causes of Stress
Money problems
School or work
Family problems
Big life changes
Health worries
How to Help Stress
Talk to someone
Take breaks
Breathe slowly
Ask for help
Rest and sleep
🧠 TRAINING VERSION (LEVEL 2/3)
Stress impacts:
Physical health (muscle tension, fatigue,
cardiovascular strain)
Emotional regulation (irritability, overwhelm)
Cognitive performance (attention, memory,
decision-making)
Stress is often linked to:
Environmental pressure
Life transitions
Chronic overload
Emotional demands
🧩 Professional Understanding
Stress is a physiological response (fight/flight
activation)
It is not a disorder but can contribute to mental
health difficulties
Chronic stress may increase risk of anxiety and
depression
🧠 Coping Framework
Effective interventions include:
CBT-based strategies
Emotional regulation skills
Time management support
Environmental adjustments
Social support systems
📊 QUIZ (EASY READ)
Questions
Is stress a mental illness?
Name two signs of stress
Name two causes of stress
Can good things cause stress?
What is one healthy way to cope with stress?
What should you do if stress becomes too much?
Answers
No
Headache, tiredness, upset stomach (any two)
Money, school, family, health (any two)
Yes
Talk to someone / breathe / rest
Ask for help
🌟 FINAL MESSAGE
Stress is:
Normal
Common
Manageable
👉 With the right support, people can feel calmer,
healthier, and more in control.🌟 Anxiety and Stress – Understanding the Difference and
How to Cope
🧠 What is Stress?
Stress is a psychological and physical response to
things that happen in everyday life.
Stress is not a mental illness
It affects both the body and the mind
👉 Stress is not always bad.
Sometimes it helps us:
Stay alert
Focus
Get things done
But too much stress can become harmful, especially
when:
We take on too much
We feel overwhelmed
Pressure builds up over time
🌍 Stress in Everyday Life
Even positive life events can cause stress, such as:
Exams 📚
Starting a new job 💼
Driving lessons 🚗
Moving house 🏠
Big life changes
👉 It is also possible to feel happy and stressed at the
same time, which can feel confusing and tiring.
⚠️ Signs of Stress
Stress can affect people in different ways.
Physical signs:
Headaches
Muscle tension or pain
Stomach or digestion problems
Feeling tired all the time
Sleep changes (too much or too little)
Appetite changes (eating more or less)
Emotional signs:
Feeling upset
Feeling irritable
Feeling unable to cope
🧠 How Stress Affects Us
Stress can affect:
The body
The mind
Emotions
When stress builds up too much, some people may use
unhealthy coping strategies such as:
Alcohol
Drugs
🧩 Causes of Stress
Stress can be caused by many things, including:
Money problems
Job loss or work issues
Relationship or family problems
Major life changes (positive or negative)
Health problems
Global events (e.g. COVID-19)
Feeling bored or stuck
Having too many responsibilities
🌍 Stress
Awareness – Understanding Pressure, Impact, and Support
🧠 Stress
Awareness
Stress
is not new—it has always existed.
Across
history, people have faced major stressful events such as:
World
War I (1914–1918)
World
War II (1939–1945)
The 2009
financial crisis (credit crunch)
The
cost-of-living crisis in recent years
Ongoing
pressures on services like the NHS
👉 These
events show that stress affects society as a whole, especially during difficult
times.
⚠️ Why
Stress Matters
Stress
can have a serious impact on both mental and physical health.
It is
often said:
“Stress
is the biggest killer of all.”
Stress
can affect anyone, but it can be especially difficult for people with:
Disabilities
Long-term
health conditions
Mental
health needs
🧠 Effects
of Too Much Stress
High or
long-term stress can lead to:
Anxiety
Depression
Sleep
problems
High
blood pressure
Heart
problems or heart attacks
Suicidal
thoughts
Worsening
of existing health conditions
👉 Some
people feel so overwhelmed they may believe life is not worth living.
If this
applies to you or someone you know:
👉 You are
not alone
👉 Support
is available
💼 What
Can Cause Stress?
Stress
can come from many areas of life:
Job loss
or unemployment
Financial
problems or debt
Benefit
changes or pressure to work without support
Housing
issues or homelessness
Bereavement
or loss
Relationship
problems or divorce
Caring
responsibilities
Being a
parent, student, or young person
Even
positive changes can cause stress, such as:
Moving
house 🏠
Starting
a new job 💼
♿ Extra
Pressures for Disabled and Vulnerable People
Some
people may face additional stress due to:
Losing
access to benefits or support services
Being
expected to work without proper support
Reduced
social care or NHS services
Difficulty
accessing housing or independence
Feeling
misunderstood or isolated
👉 Stress
is not always visible.
People
may be struggling even if they look “fine” on the outside.
😟 What
Stress Can Feel Like
Stress
can affect the body, mind, and emotions:
Constant
worry or fear
Feeling
overwhelmed
Anger or
frustration
Sleep
difficulties
Changes
in appetite
Headaches
or stomach problems
Feeling
unwell or exhausted
🧠 How to
Support Stress
Support
may include:
Talking
to someone trusted
Counselling
or therapy
Peer
support groups
Relaxation
techniques
Mindfulness
practices
Practical
support with daily life pressures
👉 Early
support can make a big difference.
🌱 Key
Message
Stress
is common
Stress
can affect anyone
Stress
can be serious if it builds up
Support
is available
You are
not alone
💚 Support
Reminder
If you
are struggling:
👉 Reach
out and talk to someone
👉 Don’t
wait until it feels unmanageable
Helpful
approaches include:
Be
Mindful (mindfulness-based support)
Talking
therapies
Community
or peer support services
💡 Final
Message
Stress
is part of life—but it should not take over your life.
👉 With
the right support, people can recover, rebuild, and feel more in control again.🧘 How to Manage Stress
You can help manage stress by:
Thinking about your workload (too much or too little)
Breaking tasks into small steps
Setting realistic goals
Practising deep breathing
Trying gentle movement or relaxation (like yoga)
Talking to someone you trust
Supporting others who are stressed
Looking after physical health
💡 Important Message
Stress is common
Stress is manageable
It is okay to ask for help
You are not alone
🟢 Easy Read Summary
Stress is when your body feels pressure.
Stress can be:
Normal
Helpful
Or too much
Signs include:
Headaches
Feeling tired
Feeling upset
Sleeping problems
Stress can be caused by:
School or work
Money problems
Family issues
Big life changes
You can help stress by:
Talking to someone
Resting
Breathing slowly
Breaking tasks into steps
👉 It is always okay to ask for help.🧠 What is Anxiety? – Symptoms and Support (Student &
Parent-Friendly Guide)
🌟 What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness.
It is normal to feel anxious before things like:
A big test 📚
A performance 🎭
Trying something new 🌍
But for some children and young people, anxiety can
become:
Very strong
Hard to control
Present most of the time
👉 When anxiety affects school, friendships, or daily
life, it may be called an anxiety disorder.
⚠️ Key Signs and Symptoms
A child or young person with anxiety may:
Worry a lot about school, family, friends, or health
Avoid places or activities because of fear or panic
Feel sick before school (stomach aches, headaches)
Struggle to sleep or feel tired during the day
Become upset, tearful, or irritable easily
Find it hard to concentrate in class
Ask for reassurance again and again
Experience physical symptoms like:
Fast heartbeat ❤️
Sweaty hands 💧
Shaking
👉 Anxiety can look different in each person:
Some may become quiet or withdrawn
Others may act out or become restless
🧩 How Anxiety is Identified
Anxiety is usually identified through:
Conversations with the child, parents, and teachers
Questionnaires and observations
Behaviour at school and home
Assessment from professionals (GP, psychologist,
counsellor, school staff)
Checking for other medical causes
👉 A diagnosis may be made when symptoms are:
Frequent
Long-lasting
Affecting daily life
🧠 Support and Strategies
Many children and young people improve with the right
support.
Helpful support includes:
Talking therapies (such as CBT – Cognitive Behavioural
Therapy)
Relaxation techniques:
Breathing exercises
Mindfulness
Gentle movement
School support:
Quiet spaces
Extra time in exams
Healthy routines:
Sleep
Meals
Screen time balance
Calm and supportive responses from adults
Medication (in some cases, prescribed by a doctor)
❤️ Reassurance for Students and Families
Anxiety is very common in young people
It is not a weakness
It is treatable
👉 With the right support, children and young people can:
Feel more in control
Build confidence
Improve school life
Enjoy friendships again
💡 Key Message
Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but:
👉 Help is available
👉 Support makes a difference
👉 No one has to face it alone
📘 What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear, or nervousness.
Everyone feels anxious sometimes, especially before exams, big changes, or new
situations.
However, an anxiety disorder is a mental health
condition where worry becomes:
Persistent
Excessive
Hard to control
Interferes with daily life (school, work,
relationships)
Unlike short-term anxiety, anxiety disorders can last
months or longer and may worsen over time.
🔑 Key Features of Anxiety Disorders
People may experience:
Constant or excessive worry
Difficulty controlling fear
Avoiding certain places or situations
Physical symptoms (fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking,
dizziness, fatigue)
Trouble focusing or sleeping
Feeling overwhelmed or on edge
🧠 Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Ongoing worry about everyday things (money, health,
family)
2. Panic Disorder
Sudden panic attacks with intense fear and physical
symptoms
3. Social Anxiety Disorder
Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social
situations
4. Specific Phobias
Strong fear of specific things (heights, spiders,
flying)
5. Agoraphobia
Fear of situations where escape feels difficult
(crowds, transport)
6. Separation Anxiety
Fear of being away from important people
7. Selective Mutism
Difficulty speaking in certain social situations
🧩 What Anxiety Can Feel Like (Everyday Experience)
Anxiety can feel like:
Panic or dread
Feeling out of control
Overthinking everything
“Something bad will happen” feeling
Trouble relaxing
Physical Symptoms:
Fast heartbeat
Sweating
Trembling
Breathing difficulties
Stomach pain or nausea
Headaches
Sleep problems
🌍 Everyday Anxiety Experiences
Anxiety can show up in different ways:
🆕 New situations
Fear of meeting new people
Difficulty with change
Avoiding unfamiliar places
🔁 Past experiences
Replaying negative memories
Difficulty moving on
🤝 Trust difficulties
Feeling unsafe or unsure of others
Sometimes linked to past experiences or trauma
🧠 Anxiety, Stress, Depression & Anger
Anxiety can link with other emotions:
Stress
Depression
Irritability
Anger or frustration
Emotional overwhelm
Sometimes anger comes from feeling:
Unsafe
Powerless
Misunderstood
⚡ Anxiety vs Stress
Stress Anxiety
Reaction to a current situation Worry about future or unknown
Usually short-term Can
be long-term
Has clear cause May
not always have clear cause
Both can cause:
Muscle tension
Fatigue
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
🏠 Stress – What It Is
Stress is a natural response to life demands.
It is not a mental illness, but it can affect:
Body
Mind
Emotions
Even positive events can cause stress:
Exams
Starting a job
Moving house
Life changes
⚠️ Signs of Stress
Headaches
Muscle tension
Stomach issues
Sleep changes
Feeling overwhelmed
Irritability
Changes in appetite
Trouble coping
🌍 Causes of Stress
Financial problems
Work or job loss
Relationship issues
Health problems
Big life changes
Caring responsibilities
Global events and pressure
🧠 Anxiety in Children & Young People
Children may:
Worry about school or family
Avoid activities
Experience stomach aches or headaches
Struggle to sleep
Become tearful or irritable
Seek constant reassurance
Some may:
Withdraw
Act out
Struggle socially
🧠 Anxiety, Autism & Sensory Needs
Some autistic people may:
Struggle with changes
Need routines
Feel overwhelmed by noise or change
👉 But anxiety can affect anyone, not just autistic
people.
🧠 Anxiety, Trauma & PTSD
Some anxiety is linked to trauma.
PTSD symptoms may include:
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Avoidance
Feeling “on edge”
Sleep problems
Trauma can have long-lasting effects, but people can
learn coping strategies and recovery support.
🧬 Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety may be linked to:
Genetics (family history)
Brain chemistry
Trauma or life experiences
Stressful events
Environment
Learned behaviour
Usually it is a combination of factors.
🩺 How Anxiety is Identified
Professionals may use:
Conversations with individuals/families
Questionnaires
Behaviour observations
Clinical assessment tools (e.g. GAD-7)
GP or mental health specialist input
Diagnosis is made when symptoms:
Last a long time
Affect daily life
Cause significant distress
💊 Support & Treatment
Anxiety is treatable.
Support may include:
Talking therapies (CBT, counselling)
Medication (if needed)
Relaxation techniques
Routines and structure
School or workplace support
Lifestyle changes
🧘 Coping Strategies
Helpful techniques include:
Deep breathing
Grounding exercises
Movement or exercise
Talking to someone trusted
Sleep routines
Mindfulness
🏠 Environmental Adjustments
Helpful changes may include:
Quiet spaces
Predictable routines
Reduced sensory overload
Clear communication
Supportive environments
⚠️ When Anxiety Becomes a Problem
It may be a concern when:
It lasts a long time
It affects school/work/life
It causes avoidance
It leads to panic or distress
It feels uncontrollable
💡 Key Messages
Anxiety is common
Anxiety is real
Anxiety is treatable
Support makes a difference
People are not alone
Recovery and coping are possible
🆘 Getting Help
You can:
Talk to a trusted adult
Speak to a GP
Contact a teacher or support worker
Access therapy or counselling
In crisis situations (US):
📞 Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
(24/7)
🌟 Final Summary
Anxiety and stress are part of human life.
But when they become overwhelming, support is
important.
With the right help:
People can manage anxiety
People can recover
People can live full, meaningful lives
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