The early warning signs of anxiety

An anxiety attack is a little like a playground slide - the steps up the slide are the signs and symptoms of increasing anxiety. When we're at the top, it only takes a little shove and we're away, sliding towards an anxiety attack.

We need to look at, and recognise each step we take going up the slide. These steps are the ‘prodromal symptoms’ that can let us know we’re on the path to anxiety.

We need to look for these signs in ourselves and, when we recognise them, put into action our plan to do something different.

The list on the next page shows some common early warning signs – can you think of more of your own?