Anxiety
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety could be described as a feeling of apprehension and uncertainty in relation to something that might happen in the future. It is experienced by everyone at some point. For example, when you take a test, go for a job interview or when speaking in public and it doesn't matter how well prepared you might be. It can happen when driving a car at night in a thunderstorm on an unfamiliar road. This is a normal reaction to something that is unfamiliar or which might have an outcome that you won't like or don't expect and can be helpful because it puts you on a state of alert. It tunes up the muscles and brains to be prepared to handle the unexpected.
It is not helpful if it makes you so anxious that you are unable to perform when taking a test or remember the answers or it prevents you from communicating clearly or lose control of the car when driving.
In other words it can stimulate your performance or be so stressful that you avoid the situation. The level of intensity can vary from 'butterflies' in the stomach which might give the professional sports person an 'edge' to perform at their best, to a full blown panic attack resulting in avoidance strategy.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is generally caused by concerns which are external to you whereas a phobia could be viewed as an irrational and extreme response to a less obvious, ill-defined, distant or unrecognised source of danger. Anxiety describes an unpleasant state of mental tension and usually results in physical and/or psychological symptoms. You can feel mentally helpless and exhausted by always being on a high state of alert against the anticipated or perceived danger.
You might be anxious in specific situations or suffer from a 'General Anxiety Disorder' (GAD) where you are always apprehensive, continually feeling worried, ruminating and anticipating that something unpleasant will happen and can result in feeling 'on edge', impatient or irritable. People who have a tendency to think in a catastrophic way will often suffer from GAD because they always expect the worst to happen.
Anxiety & Depression
It is no surprise that many people suffering from anxiety are depressed. If you are living with constant and excessive anxiety and/or phobias that disrupt your life you may become physically and mentally exhausted and lose your motivation and enthusiasm for life. In some cases people feel ashamed of their anxiety disorder and find that depression is a more acceptable explanation for their symptoms. Various studies support the connection between anxiety and depression. Research suggests that many patients diagnosed with depression first came for treatment with panic attack symptoms and that the presence of major depression increases the risk of panic disorder.
If you suffer from both depression and anxiety, treatment of the underlying depression may be necessary before treatment of the anxiety disorder can begin or visa versa.
When Is it Appropriate to Seek Help for Anxiety Issues?
When it prevents you from undertaking normal day-to-day tasks, travelling away from home, socialising, performing at work, sport, entertainment or perhaps when it causes ill health such as IBS, migraines, skin disorders, depression or high blood pressure. If you are in any doubt contact your doctor.
What Is the Solution to Anxiety Problems?
One solution is self help. Challenge your thoughts, learn to think positively and expect situations and events to have a positive outcome. Learn how to relax and enjoy the moment instead of constantly thinking about the future. If you find this a struggle a professional therapist/coach can help you change. To find out if thespencepractice can help you call us now to book a free initial assessment.
Read feedback from clients we have helped to deal with anxiety issues.
