Sexual health isn’t just about STIs. It’s also about feeling safe in your own body, being able to experience pleasure, and being confident to make decisions that are right for you.
Anxiety is a common issue that can have a huge impact on all aspects of a person’s health. A little anxiety can be useful in prompting us to make healthy choices like using a condom or wearing a seatbelt. Too much anxiety takes the idea of risk to the extreme. Instead of motivating us, it can make us feel paralysed, overwhelmed and helpless.
How do we know when anxiety is problem?
Ask yourself: is this anxiety impacting my life in a way I’m not okay with? Here are some things you might notice if you’re struggling with anxiety:
- Thoughts: Are the same worries repeating in your mind over and over? Are you having issues concentrating at school or at work?
- Emotions: Are you often feeling panicked or afraid? Are you feeling more emotional (crying easily)? Are you finding yourself more irritated with things than you’d normally be?
- Physical: Are you restless and can’t sit still? Are you getting headaches or other unexplained pains? Are you feeling sick or off in the stomach?
- Behaviour: Are you having trouble sleeping? Has your appetite changed? Have you lost the motivation to do things you’d normally do? Are you isolating yourself from your mates?
Where can you go to get help?
Talking to a trusted friend is a great place to start, but isn’t always enough. Luckily there are HEAPS of options to get the support you need. Check out the list below for a range of resources and services that can help.
Helplines & chat
- Lifeline 24 hour crisis counselling: 13 11 14
- Kids Help Line 24 hour phone and chat counselling for youth aged 5 to 25: 1800 55 1800
- Qlife phone and chat counselling for LGBTIQ people: 1800 184 527
- eHeadspace phone and chat counselling for people aged 12 to 25: 1800 650 890
In-person Counseling
Online info & programs
