Hopohopo Anxiety
Video: Anxiety explained
A video that explains what anxiety is, why it is different to stress, and the problem with self-diagnosing an anxiety order.
Symptoms of anxiety
As well as feeling worried, you may have distressing physical symptoms, including:
- racing heart or thumping (palpitations)
- feeling sick (nausea)
- shortness of breath, or breathing quickly
- shaking
- sweating
- dry mouth
- chest pain
- headaches.
Diagnosing anxiety
If you are wondering if you have anxiety, you can do a self test. Anxiety can often go along with depression, and you may want to check for this also.
Anxiety self-test — Depression.org.nz (external link)
You can see a healthcare professional who can listen to your symptoms, and make sure there is not another condition causing your low mood.
Self care for anxiety
There are many things you can do to help get your anxiety under control and feel better. You can improve anxiety by looking after yourself by:
- being active
- sleeping well
- eating well
- staying connected
- managing stress.
You may also need to use strategies such as breathing techniques, and relaxation techniques, as well as finding supports that work for you.
Treating anxiety
Anxiety can be managed in a variety of ways.
You might have to try a range of things before you start feeling better. Some things you will be able to do for yourself. But you might need some extra help from your healthcare provider, therapists, or other health professionals.
Your healthcare provider is a good place to start if you think you, or someone close to you, might have anxiety.
Anxiety in children and teenagers
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges experienced by tamariki (children) and rangatahi (teenagers). Both boys and girls are affected.
Sometimes the anxiety can be greater than that of their peers and interfere with the young person's life — how they manage on a day to day basis. This may be a sign that an 'anxiety disorder' is developing and treatment for this may be necessary.
The KidsHealth website has more information about anxiety and depression in tamariki and rangatahi.
Supporting someone with anxiety
Your support can make a big difference to someone close to you. Often, someone will start treatment because their whānau or friends have encouraged them.
It can be hard to know what to say and how to help. Just being there, doing things together, and staying connected can make a difference.
Anxiety.org.nz has more detailed advice about helping someone who has depression or anxiety.
Anxiety and panic attacks: how to be a supportive friend and whānau — Anxiety NZ (external link)
Look after yourself
It is also important to look after yourself.
If you are involved in caring for someone who has an anxiety disorder, you might find some support at Yellow Brick Road. They offer free support and resources for whānau of people with mental illness.
Parenting with anxiety
When someone has an anxiety disorder, they might find being a parent particularly challenging. You can get more information and advice from Anxiety New Zealand. They also have a helpline with specially trained volunteers who you can talk to.
Related websites
Melon Health external link
A series of short videos explaining anxiety and offering suggestions to help manage it.
Depression.org.nz external link
Information about ways of treating depression and anxiety.
The Lowdown external link
Helping young Kiwis understand and deal with depression and anxiety.
Clearhead external link
The Clearhead app helps you with learn about your mental health. You can use it in English or te reo Māori.
Clinical review
This content was written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. It has been adapted for Health Information and Services.