From the occasional spell of nervousness to chronic feelings of fear and worry, anxiety has become an increasingly prevalent challenge for many individuals.
Anxiety is a natural human response to stress and perceived threats. It is often characterized by feelings of apprehension, unease, and worry. While occasional anxiety can be normal, excessive or persistent anxiety can interfere with daily life, relationships, and ability to live life as fully as you want to.
It’s time to seek help if you:
- Feel like you’re worrying too much or it has started to interfere with your relationships or work
- Are struggling to control feelings of fear or worry
- Feel depressed or have other mental health concerns in addition to anxiety
- Are using substances like alcohol or drugs to manage your anxiety
- Understanding anxiety and learning effective coping strategies is beneficial for maintaining mental well-being in the face of this condition.
Anxiety will feel different for everyone, but some common symptoms include:
- A churning stomach
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Faster breathing (hyperventilation)
- Increased heart rate or thumping heart
- Nausea
- Panic attacks
- Feeling worried
- Feeling tense, nervous and unable to relax.
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
Lifestyle Adjustments such as incorporating healthy habits can significantly impact anxiety levels. Forming good sleep hygiene, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption, and avoiding nicotine can all contribute to a more stable emotional state. Creating good time management, setting realistic goals, and learning to delegate tasks can also help alleviate stress and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Psychotherapy and counselling can be a very advantageous route to uncovering anxieties at a deeper level.
How Can Psychotherapy and Counselling Help?
Everyone experiences anxiety differently so the therapy process is bespoke to your needs.
Psychotherapy offers a safe and non-judgemental space to examine what your mind and body are telling you while exploring and challenging your thoughts and the meaning of your anxiety.
Identifying and acknowledging the factors that can generate anxiety help us to develop personalized strategies to alleviate the impact of anxiety on our lives. Recognizing the mind-body connection is vital in managing anxiety effectively.
Common triggers can include:
- Work-related stress
- Financial pressures
- Health concerns
- Trauma in adulthood, childhood trauma or witnessing a traumatic event
- A painful long-term medical condition
- Certain medications
- Familial history of anxiety disorders
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Major life changes.
Additionally, genetic factors, imbalances in brain chemistry, and environmental influences can contribute to anxiety disorders.
Rather than just focussing on the symptoms, psychotherapy addresses the underlying root causes which are fuelling anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviours. With this deeper exploration, it is possible to make meaningful and longer-lasting changes.
At times it may feel like anxiety is an insurmountable hurdle, but it is important to remember that there is hope and help available. By understanding anxiety’s causes, recognizing its physical and emotional manifestations, and adopting effective coping strategies, we can regain control over our lives. Embrace the journey towards finding calm in a chaotic world, and know that brighter days could lie ahead.
Learn more about Wellness Therapy
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