Hi there,
While everyone worries about things from time to time, sometimes worrying too much can really affect your life and cause panic and anxiety. It can happen for no reason at all and leave you feeling like you cant relax.
There are things you can do to manage your anxiety. Lots of people find that relaxation techniques like meditation or breathing exercises help. Others find distraction techniques helpful as you are focusing your attention on something else. These can be something like playing a game or listening to music. Spending some time doing something you enjoy can also help.
It can also be a good idea to challenge your thoughts. Anxiety is often caused by unhelpful thoughts which leave us feeling scared. Remember that these are just thoughts, and not facts. Come up with evidence to prove why your worries wont happen and reward yourself when you do.
Talking can make you feel calmer and help you to get some support with how you feel. You could talk about your worries with a friend, your parents or a trusted adult. You can also get support from other young people who have similar feelings on the anxiety message board.
If you are worrying a lot of the time and it is stopping you doing the things you enjoy you could see your doctor. A doctor will be able to give you advice and talk to you about treatments that will help.
Remember you can always speak to a counsellor for support.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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