Our free 24 hour, national help line 0800 ANXIETY is available for breathing and relaxation exercises and education You can call us on 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389).

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Who We Are Anxiety New Zealand Trust (formerly The Phobic Trust) was established in February of 1983. It was incorporated as a charity in 1987 under the Charitable Trust Act 1957. The Vision of the Anxiety New Zealand: Our vision is to help New Zealanders who experience anxiety to make the journey of recovery and wellbeing by providing them with the best possible treatment, support and understanding. Mission Statement: Anxiety New Zealand aims to improve the recognition of anxiety disorders in NZ, provide treatment and support to people with anxiety related conditions and their families through the provision of high quality clinical services, the experience of service users, and the dedication of support and volunteer staff. Anxiety New Zealand will advocate for funding and support research into the determinants and treatment of anxiety disorders. If you are a low income earner (even if you are working) then you may access a Disability Allowance which can pay for your treatment. See page 4 for more information.

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Initial Contact We first need a referral from your G.P, mental health practitioner, counsellor, nurse, or other mental health specialist. Please talk to us if have any problems with getting a referral as we may be able to accept a self-referral. Call your health professional’s office and ask them to arrange a referral to Anxiety New Zealand (formerly The Phobic Trust). In some cases your health professional may ask to see you first before they write one. We may accept an existing and recent mental health referral if a copy is sent to us. Referrals can be faxed to 09 849 2375, emailed, posted or dropped off in person. There is no specific referral form but a form for professionals can be found on our website www.anxiety.org.nz or contact us about a self-referral. Once your referral has been accepted we will contact you within 48 hours. Appointments are available from Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am until 5.00pm and Thursdays 10.30 am – 7.00 pm. We are open Mondays 9.00 am – 5.00 pm for enquiries only.

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The Initial Appointment: A Needs Assessment

Support Groups: Finding the Right Group for You 

Please arrive about 10 minutes early to complete some forms. All information you give us remains strictly confidential and may help us with your diagnosis and treatment. With your permission only, some information may be used for statistical or research purposes. The first appointment is for a Needs Assessment. We encourage families/whanãu or people close to you to come to this appointment with you. The assessor will educate you and your family/whanãu/friends and help you decide whether or not treatment is required. Therapy is explained and treatment costs and other matters are also discussed.

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FREE fortnightly consumer-led support groups which are focused on particular disorders, such as Social Phobia, Body Dysmorphia, Agoraphobia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders. These are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Social Phobia Therapeutic Workshops involving 10 Saturday sessions for each group, at a cost of $75.00 per session. These are held in Auckland. Mindfulness Training on Fridays 1.30 – 2.10 pm (40 mins). Wellness Toolbox workshops.

The Next Step: Psychiatric Assessment An appointment can be made with Dr Henry Plant MOSS Psychiatry (a special kind of doctor who is licensed to prescribe medication). A joint decision will be made with you as to the best steps forward, and whether or not medication is an option for you. What is Right for You: Treatment Options What We Treat: If therapy is required, an appointment will be made with the most suitable psychologist from our multi-disciplinary team. They are specialists in many areas relating to phobias/anxiety/compulsive disorders, including alcohol and substance abuse, gambling addiction, eating disorders, as well as children suffering from fear and anxiety.

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Anxiety & Stress Anxiety with Panic Attacks Social Phobias Phobias Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Stress Related Disorders Trichotillomania Compulsive Over-Eating

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Agoraphobia Generalised Anxiety Disorder Depression School Phobia Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Body Dysmorphia Anorexia and Bulimia

Our fees We are not automatically government funded, so we rely on clients paying fees responsibly. Payment must be made at each session, unless payment is being made by Work and Income, your employer or another provider. We accept cash, EFTPOS, cheques, Visa and MasterCard.

Check our website www.anxiety.org.nz or e-mail us on [email protected]

Funding Options: Work and Income may help you with paying for your appointments if:

Prices 1st May 2016: Needs Assessment (Com Services Card) Needs Assessment

50 min

$120.00

50 min

$150.00

Psychologist Appointment

50 min

$150.00

Couples / Family Therapy

75 mins

$225.00

Psychiatric Assessment (Dr)

50 min

$198.00

Psychiatric Follow-up (Dr)

½ hour

$150.00

Prescription fee + fax & post

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$25.00

Under 24 hour cancellation fee or DNA Social Anxiety Workshop

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$75.00

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$75.00

Further information: Phone us at any time on (09) 846 9776. After hours you will reach our 24Hour Anxiety Line at 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389). The phone line is answered by trained volunteers who will endeavour to answer any questions and provide support.

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you are working and a low income earner on are on a benefit you are on a pension or superannuation you are a student or you earn less than a specified amount

Talk to Work and Income on 0800 559 009 or call us about the Disability Allowance (based on weekly income, not assets). Usually this funds one appointment 2.4 weeks. You may also receive Temporary Additional Support (a top up) to the Disability Allowance.

You may get a Disability Allowance (DA) if you are: • • • •

Are aged 18 years or over, living at home or not, or if under 18 are not living with your parents Are below the weekly income limit (see below) Normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here Are not using the maximum DA of $61.69 per week for other health needs, and have not had more than 30 funded counselling appointments, either here or elsewhere.

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Weekly gross income limit (before tax) as of 1st April 2015: Single 16-17 years: $518.76 Single 18+ years: $616.71 Married, civil union, or de facto couple (with or without children): $914.71 Sole parent (1 child): $723.49 Sole parent (2+ children): $762.26 You may also be eligible for an additional $300 Special Needs Grant (based on income and assets) and may cover the cost of the Needs Assessment and Psychiatric Assessment. You may need to pay $17.00 yourself.

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You don’t need to pay back either the Special Needs Grant or Disability Allowance and they won’t affect any other entitlement. Getting Work and Income Assistance: When we phone to make your first appointment, make sure you tell us that you need Work and Income funding. You will need some signed paperwork from us which you will need to take into Work and Income. Insurance Companies: You will need to check you are funded before seeing us. Depending on your insurance cover you may be funded, although not all insurance contracts cover the cost of doctors / psychologists. Southern Cross may need you to see our clinical psychologist (instead of our general or health psychologists). Please make sure you tell us if you have insurance.

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Would you like to come along to a free support group for people with anxiety?

Join us for lots of fun, friendship, sharing and understanding in a safe and supportive environment St Lukes: Fortnightly Thursday 6.00pm - 8.00 pm Fortnightly Saturday 3.00pm - 5.00pm Booking or referral essential. For further information please contact Anxiety New Zealand: 77 Morningside Drive, St Lukes, Akld 09 846 9776 or [email protected]

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Shyness and Social Anxiety FREE Facilitated Support Group Details:

Held on fortnightly Saturdays 3.00 pm - 4.45 pm Anxiety New Zealand

77 Morningside Drive St Lukes Auckland (opposite St Lukes Mall) Please contact us to register and book

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Facilitated by an experienced consumer and clinician, this small and safe group of between 7 – 10 people, supports people who suffer from social anxiety or social phobia. A confidential and supportive environment where people can share and help each other while accessing really helpful resources to overcome social anxiety. We realise that just turning up to a support group can be extremely difficult but is an important step on the way to freedom from fears and phobias. There will be no pressure to participate!

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Mindfulness Learn about mindfulness and relaxation in your lunch hour. Practice being mindful through our 40 minute, weekly guided sessions

What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness-based meditation is about learning to shift our attention and awareness from the past, and our worries about the future, to the present moment. Mindfulness helps increase mental resilience and wellbeing and an enjoyment of the present moment. Originally based on the concept of mindfulness in Buddhist meditation, mindfulness is a non-religious and non-denominational activity. Mindfulness based meditation has been shown to improve depression, anxiety and stress. Everyone can benefit from brief moments of mindfulness in their day to day lives. Fridays 1.30 pm – 2.10 pm, please contact us to book – 09 846 9776 Cost: $15.00 or $70.00 for 5 sessions Anxiety New Zealand Trust, 77 Morningside Drive, St Lukes, Auckland

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Anxiety Disorders Everyone knows what it’s like to feel anxious – the butterflies in your stomach before a first date, the tension you feel when the boss is angry, and the way your heart pounds when you’re in danger. Anxiety rouses you to action. It gears you up to face a threatening situation. It makes you study harder for that exam, and keeps you on your toes when you’re making a speech. In general it helps you cope. But if you have an anxiety disorder, this normally helpful emotion can do just the opposite – it can keep you from coping and can disrupt your daily life. Anxiety disorders are not just a case of ‘nerves’. They are disabilities, often related to the biological make-up and life experiences of the individual. We now find they run in families, just like diabetes, asthma and other illnesses. There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with its own distinct features. Those who suffer from anxiety disorders may feel anxious most of the time, without any apparent reason. The anxious feelings may be so uncomfortable that, to avoid them, they may stop some everyday activities. Others may have occasional bouts of anxiety so intense they become terrified and immobilized.

Phobias occur in several forms. A specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or situation. Social phobia is a fear of being painfully embarrassed in a social setting. Agoraphobia, which often accompanies panic disorder, is a fear of being in any situation that might provoke a panic attack, or from which escape might be difficult if one occurred.

Specific Phobias Many people experience specific phobias. Intense, irrational fears of certain things or situations – dogs, closed-in places, heights, escalators, tunnels, motorway driving, water, flying, and injuries involving blood - are a few of the more common ones. Phobias aren’t just extreme fear, they are irrational fear. You may be able to ski the world’s tallest mountains with ease but panic going above the 10th floor of an office building. People with phobias realise their fears are irrational, but often facing, or even thinking of facing, the feared object or situation brings on severe anxiety or a panic attack. For more information visit www.anxiety.org.nz or call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health difficulties. Many people misunderstand these disorders and think individuals should be able to overcome the symptoms by sheer willpower. Wishing the symptoms away does not work – but there are treatments that can help.

Phobias Phobias belong to the family of anxiety disorders.

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What is Depression? Depression is not a fleeting sadness or ‘the blues’ but a pervasive and relentless sense of despair. A lack of interest in life accompanied by weight loss, loss of appetite, feelings of uselessness and sleep disturbance are some of the more common symptoms.

Sadness, lethargy, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, difficulties with decisions, memory, concentration, loss of interest, energy, changes to sleep patterns – difficulty sleeping or staying awake, changes in weight – either in significant loss or gain in weight, relationship problems with partners, friends, family, colleagues, isolation and thoughts.

Treatment

People with depression can’t just ‘snap-out of it’.

People suffering from depression should consult with their general practitioners; severe cases should obtain a referral to a psychiatrist and a clinical team.

There can be an array of causes – it can be due to stresses in the home or at work, or it can just come out of the blue. A genetic predisposition and family history can be a major factor.

For more information visit www.anxiety.org.nz or call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

An official definition of depression…         

Two weeks of abnormal depressed mood Loss of interest and decreased energy Loss of confidence Excessive guilt Recurrent thoughts of death Poor concentration Agitation or retardation Sleep disturbance Change in appetite

Mild depression includes the first two symptoms and at least one other. Severe depression is the first two symptoms and at least five others. People with depression experience many of the following for prolonged periods:

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Phobias Phobias belong to a family of difficulties known as anxiety disorders. Phobias occur in several forms. A specific phobia is a fear of a particular object or situation. Social phobia is a fear of being painfully embarrassed in a social setting. Agoraphobia, which often accompanies panic disorder, is a fear of being in any situation that might provoke a panic attack, or from which escape might be difficult if one occurred. People or children experiencing with a phobia of germs may well have Obsessive, Compulsive Disorders. OCD.

people benefit significantly from this type of treatment. Relaxation and breathing exercises also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Sometimes certain medications may be prescribed to help reduce anxiety symptoms before someone faces a phobic situation. For more information visit www.anxiety.org.nz or call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Specific Phobias Many people experience specific phobias. Intense, irrational fears of certain things or situations – dogs, closed-in-places, heights, escalators, tunnels, motorway driving, water, flying, and injuries involving blood are a few of the more common ones. Phobias aren’t just extreme fear, they are irrational fear. You may be able to ski the world’s tallest mountains with ease but panic going above the 10th floor of an office building. People with phobias realise their fears are irrational, but often facing, or even thinking of facing the feared object or situation, brings on severe anxiety or a panic attack. Treatment When phobias interfere with a person’s life, treatment can help. Successful treatment usually involves cognitive-behavioural therapy, desensitisation or exposure therapy. This last involves gradually exposing sufferers to what frightens them until their fear begins to fade. 75% of © Anxiety New Zealand Trust

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Relaxation Relaxation is the opposite of anxiety. It is very important to learn ways of relieving anxiety, particularly at the beginning of psychotherapy when it is possible that you will be asked to recall anxious and anxietyprovoking memories. The following is a suggested method for reducing anxiety and bringing on a state of inner calm.

Environment Do this exercise in a place where you feel comfortable and where you will not be disturbed. You will need about an hour. Take the phone off the hook.

Music Put on music that is conducive to relaxation. I recommend the Oh la relaxation tape. There are certain sounds and tones and frequencies that are particularly relaxing to the mind and this tape uses only such sounds. A piece of classical music might start off very soothing but then a clash of cymbals can wake you up abruptly and destroy all the peaceful state of mind that you have got into.

Breathing Preferably lie on your back with your head supported on a pillow. Try and think about nothing but your breathing. Use your abdominal (stomach)

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muscles rather than your chest. Breathe in deeply and then breathe out evenly and slowly. In relaxation it is the outbreath that is most important. Make sure the outbreath is long and even. As you breathe out say a word that reflects calmness such as “peace”. Say the same word every time you breathe out. This will help to induce a state of self-hypnosis. Alternatively you can use a mantra such as “owoom”. Use whatever word suits you, but do not staccato it. It should sound like “peeeeeeeeeeece” or “awoooooooooooom” and take up most, if not all, of the outbreath. a

Visualisation Visualise a relaxing scene. This should be somewhere that you feel comfortable for example beside a lake or by the sea or a tranquil place in the mountains. If you feel uncomfortable outdoors you can imagine yourself in a cosy lounge by a fireplace.

Imagine yourself at the top of a flight of steps looking down on the scene. Slowly walk down the steps and say to yourself “every time I take a step I will feel more relaxed.” Stay at each step for about a minute and continue to attend to your breathing but periodically stop to look at the view. If you do this exercise regularly you can train yourself to become relaxed according to where you are on the flight of steps. If you are at the middle of the steps you may feel quite relaxed but feel quite sleepy when you get to the bottom. In other words you can learn to control how relaxed you are feeling by your position on the flight of steps. Recommended reading. Chapter 4 Relaxation (in the Anxiety and Phobia workbook). This is an excellent and easy to follow account of how to get the most out of relaxation techniques.

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