Anxiety Management Presented by: Geoffrey C. Fortunato Jocelyn Morales
What is Anxiety? • An overwhelming feeling of apprehension and fear. • Serious medical illness • Affects approximately 19 million americans • Different types of anxieties.
Anxiety Disorders • Panic Disorder • ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder • Post-Traumatic • Specific Phobias. Stress Disorder (Test Anxiety) • Social phobia (Social• Generalized Anxiety Anxiety Disorder) Disorder
Commonalities Amongst The Different Anxiety Disorders • Each of these anxiety disorders has its own distinct features. • Common Bond: Excessive, Irrational Fear and Dread that negatively affects Daily life and Activities.
Anxiety: All or Nothing? • Common Misconception: All Anxiety is “Bad” » It is normal to incorporate a moderate level of stress and anxiety into our daily lives. » In order to lead a “balanced life”, stress and anxiety play a crucial role. » How we manage and balance stress, determines the significance of the stressor. » Recognizing warning signs is crucial to overcoming and working with the anxiety.
Physical signs of Anxiety: • Accelerated Heart Rate • Shortness of Breath • Chest Discomfort • Chills or Hot Flashes
• Sweating • Trembling or Shaking • Nausea • Lightheadedness
Anxiety and Our Thoughts • • • •
We Feel Frightened We Think People are Looking at us We Worry That we May Lose Control or Make a Fool of Ourselves in the Presence of Others • We Tell Ourselves That We Must Escape and Get To a Safe place
Anxiety and Our Behavior • We Make Excuses to Avoid Doing Things • We Hurry Out of Places or Situations Where we Feel Anxious • We May Feel the Need to “Have a Drink” Before Doing Something Stressful. • We May Hinder Our Future Opportunities For Professional and Social Development
Stress VS. Anxiety STRESS:
• • • • • •
One’s “normal,” common reaction to a stressor. Forgetfulness Poor Concentration Loss of Interest Reduced Creativity Fatigue Irritability
Anxiety:
• • • • •
Chronic, overwhelming fear characterized by: Phobias Depression Obsessions Confusion Excessive Hostility/Anger
Helping Those With Anxiety • What Can Be Done? • Understanding and Recognizing the Signs/Symptoms of Anxiety is crucial! • “Keep Anxiety from Interfering with Performance!” • Remain Patient • Practice Calmness • Become Empathetic • Communicate With Those with Anxiety • Know When to “Keep Distance”
Overcoming Anxiety As A Tutor • Take a Break • Budget Time Effectively • Practice Empathy • Take a Walk • Exercise • Work with Student in Conducive Environment
• Role Reversal • Physical Practices. (Deep Breathing/Relaxation Exercises) • Build Positive Rapport with Student • Instill Confidence & Emit Positive Emotions
Other Techniques To Overcome Anxiety: • Become Aware of What You Say To Yourself and to Others • Visualize Yourself Helping Others • Become an Expert in Your Subject Matter • Realize What is Helping the Student and What is Hindering Their Progress • Understand and Respect Different Learning Styles and Techniques
What The Student Can Do: • Attending All Classes • Learn How To Take Good Notes • Budget Time Wisely • Form Study Groups • Make Outlines and Summary Sheets
• Become More Efficient in Study Habits • Communicate with Professors • Avoid “Cramming” for Exams • Organization/SelfConfidence
Final Thoughts • If you or your student are still experiencing anxiety after using these suggestions, you may want to meet with a counselor. • In order to lead a balanced life, anxiety and stress management are crucial • For additional information: Contact the Counseling and Advising Center on a VCC Campus.
Questions: