<p>
	At a time when there&rsquo;s still a stigma attached to mental health, it&rsquo;s great to see so much discussion on Twitter for #plantoprotect on World Mental Health Day. The idea is that people wear a red button somewhere today to show support for people who suffer from anxiety.</p>
<p>
	Although many people feel anxious from time to time, before an exam or a big presentation, for people who suffer from an anxiety disorder it can affect their day-to-day life, and for long periods of time.</p>
<p>
	Here are a few things you might not know.</p>
<p>
	1. People who suffer from anxiety often recognise their level of anxiousness is excessive and irrational but they find it extremely difficult to control.</p>
<p>
	2. There are loads of different types, including general anxiety (where people have extreme worry that&rsquo;s not linked to any one thing), social anxiety, panic disorder (having regular panic attacks), OCD, agoraphobia (those who have panic attacks might try to cope by staying in a safe place) and claustrophobia.</p>
<p>
	3. A panic attack makes someone feel breathless, people often have chest pain, nausea and a rapid heartbeat. It&rsquo;s very frightening and sufferers say it&rsquo;s common to feel like they&rsquo;re going to die because their heart is beating so fast. It can last several minutes and the whole experience is one of the most distressing things a person can go through.</p>
<p>
	4. People with social anxiety are often perceived to be shy, quiet, withdrawn, inhibited, unfriendly, nervous, aloof, and disinterested. But actually they have an intense fear of being embarrassed, criticised, or being the centre of attention.</p>
<p>
	5. Anyone can suffer from anxiety, at any time, not just &ldquo;nervous&rdquo; people. It can be triggered by a change in jobs, relationships, living arrangements, pregnancy, shock after a traumatic event or grief.</p>
<p>
	6. Physical conditions can cause anxiety too, for example hormonal problems, diabetes and asthma.</p>
<p>
	7. Long term use of alcohol, cannabis or amphetamines can also cause anxiety disorders.</p>
<p>
	8. Children with character traits like being a perfectionist, easily flustered, want to control everything or a lack self-esteem, might be more likely to develop anxiety.</p>
<p>
	9. Although depression and anxiety are different conditions, it&rsquo;s not uncommon for people to experience both. Over half of those who experience depression also suffer from anxiety.</p>
<p>
	10. Anxiety remains one of the most under-diagnosed and under-treated conditions in the Republic of Ireland.</p>
<p>
	11. A survey carried out for Mental Health Awareness Week this year found that only one in twenty people never feel anxious.</p>
<p>
	12. Comfort eating is used by a quarter of people to cope with feelings of anxiety, and women and young people are more likely to use this as a way of coping.</p>
<p>
	13. Women are more likely to be affected by anxiety than men.</p>
<p>
	14. Anxiety and smell are strangely linked. People who suffer from anxiety disorders can perceive some natural smells as very unpleasant. It&rsquo;s because their emotional issues are intertwined with their olfactory system.</p>
<p>
	15. Anxious people often have a bigger &ldquo;personal space&rdquo;, so they feel less comfortable with people being very close to them.</p>
<p>
	For more information and support visit Mental Health Ireland.</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/15-things-no-one-tells-you-about-anxiety-644839.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/15-things-no-one-tells-you-about-anxiety-644839.html</a></p>
