Read updated information about the wildfire and smoke situation in Eeyou Istchee.
What is anxiety?
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Anxiety is a natural body reaction to a threat or a perceived threat.
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Everyone experiences it
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Normal & happens at certain situations
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Can be helpful in some situations
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Fight (stay) or flight (run) response even freeze
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Can alert us if danger is coming (a bear)
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Body’s built in alarm system
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Our body starts to respond

Tools for coping
- Learn to breathe more slowly and take deep breaths
- Focus on deep breathing
- Focus on now , here moments
- Recognize your symptoms and learn how to manage them
- Develop a plan on managing your symp- toms and triggers
- Learn about self-help strategies
- Learn about stress management
- Get/download some apps on relaxation techniques
- Connect with people you trust, family or friends
- Use positive self-talk
- Find a calm hobby, sew, bead, draw, dance, walk
- Eat healthy
If you feel that your symptoms are too overwhelming, contact your local clinic and seek help. Its not a sign of weakness but strength that you want to help yourself.
Support
Wiichihiiwaauwin (Mental Health) Helpline
Wiichihiiwaauwin (Mental Health) Helpline
Service available 24/7. Cree speakers and Elders are available upon request
Related resources
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Updated
January 17, 2023