Wellbeing
Grade 4
Today we explore Anxiety
What is it?
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. While stress and anxious feelings are a common response to a situation where we feel under pressure, they usually pass once the stressful situation has passed, or ‘stressor’ is removed.
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What are the signs?
While each anxiety condition has its own unique features, there are some common symptoms including:
- Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy
- Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophising, or obsessive thinking
- Behavioural: avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on study, work or social life
These are just some of a number of symptoms that your child might experience. They're not designed to provide a diagnosis, for that you'll need to see a professional, but they can be used as a guide.
Signs and symptoms - Beyond Blue
Where should I go for more information?
If you feel you child may need to seek professional support for anxiety, see your GP.
If counselling is recommended, services can be accessed at school. All you need to do is get a mental health plan from your GP and then contact Kim Ancrum for further paper work. With a mental health plan, individuals are entitled to a number of free sessions throughout a calendar year.
At BBPS we offer sessions with Renate Hoffman through OnPsych services (0408 177 083) OR we recommend contacting Zarah Scott, a private counsellor who conducts counselling services onsite during school hours. Her services do involve a cost to parents, please contact Zarah via email zarahjscott@gmail.com for more information and to arrange a free 10 minute adult consultation to assess suitability and intake processes prior to engaging in child sessions.
For those seeking support externally, we often recommend
4thought
351 Nepean Hwy, Brighton East VIC 3187
9530 8773
OR
Nepean Psychology and Counselling Centre
1/328 Reserve Rd, Cheletnham 3192
Due to an increasing demand following COVID-19 many services currently have waiting lists. It may be worth putting your child's name on several lists.