Anxiety

Are you feeling anxious?

Firstly, it is important to know that anxiety is a common feeling, we all have it at some point in our lives and it is a normal reaction to situations we can find ourselves in.

However, if anxious feelings persist, feeling constant and overwhelming, it can have a negative impact on our daily lives.

If that is the case, there are lots of things you’re able to try to help you cope and manage anxiety.

This post will help you to understand anxiety and highlight some great tips and support.

So, what is anxiety?

Well, it is best described as a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear.

It is your body’s natural response to stress, resulting in a feeling of fear or apprehension about what is to come.

What causes or triggers it?

Anxiety is a very personal experience and as such it can be triggered in very different ways for each person… whether this be major life events, a particular upcoming activity or small ongoing stressful situations. Typical examples are:

  • A big event could a death in the family.
  • Upcoming events could be the first day of school, going to a job interview or giving a speech.
  • Ongoing stressful situations include work stress and ongoing worry about finances.

What are the signs?

As an emotion, there are not always obvious outward signs of anxiety but feelings of tension, anxious thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure are common.

The NHS website highlights a number of things you/your body may be experiencing including:

  • feel tired, on edge, restless or irritable
  • feel a sense of dread
  • unable to concentrate or make decisions
  • have trouble sleeping
  • feel sick, dizzy, sweaty or short of breath
  • be shaky or trembly
  • get headaches or tummy aches
  • avoid situations or put off doing things you are worried about
  • have difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • experience a noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • have pins and needles
  • have a dry mouth
  • sweat excessively
  • repeatedly check things or seek assurance from others

Read more here: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/anxiety

Anxiety attacks

When you feel anxious, your body goes on high alert, looking for possible danger and activating your fight or flight responses.

For some, the feeling of anxiety can turn in to an anxiety attack, where they experience severe terror and feelings of loss of control.

Such attacks usually peak within 10 minutes, and rarely lasts more than 30 minutes, but can have a long-lasting effect on the individual.

How to cope with anxiety

Although anxiety is not curable there are ways to manage it, coping strategies that will help dial back your out-of-control worries so that you can get on with life.

8 Ways to Naturally Reduce Anxiety

  1. Breathe. Slow everything down with slow deep breaths. Even counting to 10 slowly will help slow thoughts down and reduce panic.
  2. Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing and meditation help calm the mind and encourage relaxation.
  3. Stay active. Regular exercise is good for your physical and emotional health.
  4. Limit alcohol and caffeine. These can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
  5. Stop smoking. Smokers often reach for a cigarette during stressful times.
  6. Get some sleep. Sleep allows the body to relax.
  7. Healthy diet. Eat well-balanced meals.
  8. Complimentary therapy. Therapies such as reflexology and massage that can also help with stress and sleep.

Help with anxiety disorders

Is anxiety a mental illness?

Occasional anxiety is OK but anxiety disorders are different.

They are a group of mental illnesses that cause constant and overwhelming anxiety and fear. Excessive anxiety can make you avoid work, school, family get-togethers, and other social situations that might trigger or worsen your symptoms.

What are the types of anxiety disorder?

Anxiety disorders are normally diagnosed by a doctor. There are five major types of anxiety disorders:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Panic Disorder.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

How do doctors treat anxiety disorders?

It is recognised that psychological counselling and therapy are effective treatments for anxiety. This might include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or a combination of therapy and counselling.

In some circumstances, doctors may also recommend anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief. These are known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

Anxiety counselling therapy

As a qualified and experienced counsellor, Malcolm Bateup regularly works with clients suffering from anxiety-based issues and anxiety disorder.

MB Counselling is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex. Malcolm offers a range of counselling services including walk and talk, online counselling and face to face counselling.

Please contact us to have a free initial chat.

For complimentary therapies such as reflexology and massage please find out more about services from Nicola at Beach Green Holistics.