Everyone feels anxious from time to time; this is normal, especially when in new, unfamiliar or challenging situations like university.
Research suggests anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition diagnosed in Australia affecting around 13% of Australians every year[1]. While anxiety is a natural and usually short-term reaction to a stressful situation or perceived threat, it can be associated with feelings of worry, nervousness, or apprehension. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Restlessness
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Trembling or shaking
- Feeling light-headed or faint
- Numbness or nausea
- Sweating
- Avoidance
While we recognise anxiety is usually a natural and short-lived reaction, we also understand that for people with anxiety disorders, anxious thoughts, feelings and physical sensations can become chronic, severe, upsetting and interrupt their daily life. Anxiety can affect the ability to study, attend classes and socialise at university at times.
How Curtin can help
The Curtin University Psychological and Counselling Service is offering free anxiety skills groups to help you learn skills to manage anxiety. This semester we are offering face to face and online Level 1 groups and a face-to-face Level 2 group. Each level is a four-week group program consisting of weekly 90-minute sessions. Please see below for start times and dates:
Anxiety Skills Group Level 1 – Online:
- Tuesday 16 August: : 10am to 11:30am
Anxiety Skills Group Level 1 – Face to Face:
- Thursday 18 August: 10am to 11:30am
Anxiety Skills Group Level 2 – Face to Face:
- Thursday 22 September: 10am to 11:30am
In Level 1 you will develop the skills to calm your body and develop new ways of handling difficult thoughts, while in Level 2 you will learn how to approach feared situations, manage your worries, and develop a sense of self-compassion. If you have attended any anxiety skills group in the past, or completed Level 1, you will be eligible to attend the Level 2 course.
For more information watch the anxiety skills group information webinar.
Venue:
Level 1 Online: Zoom (The zoom links will be provided via your student email).
Level 1 Face to Face: Building 109, Level 2. Please report to reception at the beginning of the first session.
Limited spaces – you are encouraged to reserve a spot soon! Booking is essential. Booking closes two days before to the first session.
How to Register:
- Register for Level 1 Online by selecting ‘attend’ on UniHub
- Register for Level 1 Face to Face by selecting ‘attend on UniHub
- Register for Level 2 by selecting ‘attend’ on UniHub
Visit our group program and workshops webpage for a full list of our upcoming groups, webinars, and seminars.
If you think you experience anxiety that affects your life or studies but aren’t sure what to do about it, get in touch with our Student Wellbeing Advisory Service, see one of our bulk-billed GPs or book an appointment with one of our Curtin psychologists.
[1] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/mental-health/2017-18
