How Anxiety Happens
What zone is "anxiety? in?
Yellow
What is an example of a big problem?
anything that may affect many people, and have no easy, quick, or pleasant solution
We should hold on to our stress. True or False?
False! We should get rid of our stress and not hold on to it.
What is your favourite coping tool?
Any tool that works for you!
Is it helpful to only focus on the things in your control?
Yes!
What other words mean the same thing as "anxious"?
Stressed, confused, bewildered, skeptical, worries, cautious, nervous
What might a red zone reaction (for a big problem) look like?
Frantic, out of control, panic.
How does your body feel when you begin to worry?
any physical symptoms of anxiety - racing mind, heart beating fast, sweating, and more!
Scenario: Taylor is graduating grade 8 and is going to high school in the fall. She is really nervous to go to a new school and have to make new friends. What coping strategy can Taylor use to help ease her anxiety?
Breathing techniques, fidgets, talk to someone, and more!
What are some things that you can control?
My words, my efforts, my behaviours, my attitude, my choices
What are some physical symptoms of anxiety?
Sweating, racing heart, looking around, fidgeting, pacing, upset stomach, and more!
Why is it important to match your reaction to the size of the problem?
Usually, if your reaction size is the same size as your problem, others don’t think a new problem was created. If your reaction size is bigger than your problem size, it may create a new problem for the people around you.
Why is it important to understand what makes us feel anxious?
If you can help identify your anxiety before it gets out of control, you will be able to manage it easier and remain calm.
What are the three types of coping strategies?
Distraction, calming, & expressive
Why is it important to focus only on what is in your control?
We can't change the things that aren't in our control, so worrying about them won't be helpful.
What does anxiety look like in your body?
any response! everyone will have a different answer
If you are having a YELLOW zone reaction, what can you do?
Is it helpful to share your worries with others? How does it make you feel when others listen to your worries?
It can help make your worries feel smaller when you share them with someone you trust!
What can we do to help reframe our thoughts?
Recognize, Challenge, Replace
(or... Catch it, check it, change it)
What are some things you can't control?
Parents' work, weather, other peoples' words, choices and behaviours, illnesses and world events
What body part releases stress hormones in response to anxiety?
Hint: is starts with an "A"!
Amygdala
When have you and someone else had different sized reactions to the same problems?
hint: remember Sabrina's story of how she and others react differently to the Leafs losing a game
any applicable response
Recall our worry ladder. What is one of your strongest worries?
any appropriate answer
When is a time you successfully used a coping tool?
any appropriate scenario
You worry that your friends don't like you. What aspects are in your control? What is out of your control?
In your control: Whether you are a good friend or treat them well
Out: Whether or not they like you