Anxiety Survival Guide

Dr Bridie Gallagher is a Senior Psychologist working for the NHS to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in the secure estate.Dr Sue Knowles is a senior clinical psychologist with longstanding experience of working with young people and their carers in a range of settings. She works for the psychological services organisation Changing Minds UK [www.changingmindsuk.com].Phoebe McEwen is a college student with lived experience of anxiety.

The anxiety survival guide has helped me understand the decisions I make and how they affect my behaviours allowing me to take a new approach to deal with anxiety and begin living life, not just surviving through the real world situations that all of us face in adulthood.

• Part One: Why adulthood can make us anxious; 1: What's so hard about being an adult?; 2: Dealing with all the stuff you can't possibly know; Part Two: The challenges of adulthood: A how-to guide; 3: Getting out and making friends; 4: What can I do with anxious thoughts?; 5: I can't focus! How to study with anxiety; 6: What about moving out?; 7: Surviving (to thriving) interviews; 8: Workplace worries; Part Three: Anxiety in adulthood: Some top tips; 9: A quick guide to panic attacks; 10: 'A little bit OCD'; 11: So how do I stay calm and healthy?; 12: What is this mindfulness all about?; 13: Where can I get some extra help?; Appendix I: Living a life that fits with your values; Appendix II: Testing out your safety behaviours; Appendix III: Thought challenging sheet; Appendix IV: Compassionate other exercise; Appendix V: Positive activities list; Appendix VI: Self-care plan