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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Coping with Anxiety Anne Crook Counsellor / Psychotherapist The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust What is anxiety? Normal Protective Threat focused

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Fight or Flight

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Physical symptoms Increased heart rate Increased muscle tension Jelly legs Tingling in the hands and feet Hyperventilation (over breathing) Dizziness Difficulty in breathing Wanting to use the toilet more often Anxiety UK

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Feeling sick Tight band across the chest Tension headaches Hot flushes Increased perspiration Dry mouth Shaking Choking sensations Palpitations Anxiety UK

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Internal alarm system

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Thoughts What if its worse? Feelings Anxious Frightened Behaviour Avoid opening Worry Physical Heart racing Tight chest Muscle tension Trigger/Event Hospital letter arrives

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Unhelpful coping strategies Avoidance short-term relief / gain, long-term pain Excessive worry trying to make the uncertain certain

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Overestimate the threat, Underestimate our ability to cope

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Helpful coping strategies Physical Exercise Relaxation / Breathing / Visualisation Mindfulness in the present moment Do something more interesting Talk to someone Soothing self-talk Thoughts arent facts Its just my alarm going off Ive coped before so I can cope again

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Mindfulness - in the present moment

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Resources www.franticworld.com www.friendlyfocusing.com www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk www.bemindful.co.uk www.mentalhealth.org.uk www.headspace.com

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The Christie NHS Foundation Trust You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them. Maya Angelou