Why this is important: Anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses housing staff will encounter in their work and it can be one of the most debilitating and overwhelming experiences faced by residents. Anxiety often prevents residents from engaging in effective communication with housing staff, accomplishing daily tasks, managing finances and work or school obligations, and even leaving their home. By understanding the different types of anxiety, housing staff will be in a better position to work with these residents and connect them to help.
 
Description: This micro-learning course offers research-based, practical advice for housing staff to help them understand and interact more effectively with residents experiencing anxiety symptoms. Learners will explore various types of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorders, and common phobias. The course will provide practical guidance and advice to communicate with residents experiencing anxiety more effectively and help refer them to additional help, though a multidisciplinary CARE team model. Common examples of successful ways to talk with residents with anxiety as well as frequent pitfalls housing staff should avoid will be shared.
 
Housing staff will be able to:
Describe the different types of anxiety disorders residents may experience
Understand more effective ways to communicate with residents experiencing anxiety symptoms
Avoid common pitfalls such as lecturing or giving condescending advice to residents with anxiety symptoms
Facilitate a referral to a multidisciplinary CARE team and community supports