When Worrying Gets You Down

• John lived with his mom and dad. Then he moved to a group home. 
• Now he worries a lot about moving.
• When someone new comes to visit, John runs to his room. 
• John is afraid that visitors will make him move away.
• He asks his support staff over and over again,  “Do I have to move?”

• Anxiety is another name for worry. 
• You have anxiety, if you are worrying about something that is:
  • New to you,
  • Hard to learn or do, or 
  • A problem in your life. 

• Stress happens when you are upset or afraid.
• You feel stress when you think there is something to fear or be upset about.
• A person, place or situation can cause you to feel stress.
• Things that cause stress for you may not cause stress for someone else.
  

• A little stress or worry can help you work harder to do your best.  
• Too much worrying can make you sick.
• Too much worrying can get in the way of your everyday life.

• People react to stress in different ways.  
• Some people get a headache.
• Some people get stomach aches.
• Some people feel their heart beat very fast.

• You might feel:  
• Tired a lot of the time
• Hungry all the time
• Clumsy
• Scared 
• Unhappy

• You might have: 
• Sweaty hands
• Trouble sleeping
• A dry mouth
• Trouble swallowing
• Shakes and shivers
• Tight or sore muscles

• Some medicine helps people worry less.
• If you can’t stop worrying, your doctor might give you  medicine to help.
• Some medicine makes people worry more.
• Ask your doctor if the medicine you take might make you worry.

• Here are some healthy ways to deal with worry and stress: 
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Don't eat too much
  • Get enough sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Spend time with friends
  • Do things for fun

• Here are some healthy ways to deal with worrying and stress:
  • Don’t drink coffee or soda with caffeine
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks
  • Don't smoke or use drugs
  • Learn ways to relax like:
    • Deep breathing
    • Yoga

• Can’t do anything but sit and worry
• Think about hurting yourself 
• Feel afraid for no reason repeat an action over and over again, like washing your hands

• Have sharp chest pain
• Have a hard time breathing
• Feel like you are going to faint

• Relaxing helps keep you from worrying.