ANXIETY

WHAT IS ANXIETY?

Anxiety is a common condition, estimated by the NHS to affect up to 5% of the UK population. Anxiety occurs when we are nervous or worried about an external threat . It is our body’s natural “fight or flight” response, which stimulates specific emotional/mental and biological responses.

Mentally you are full of tension, fear and stress. You are primed, ready to react to whatever the threat in front of you is. Often this can be an overreaction to reality, but in our heightened state of worry it can often become difficult to focus on anything else.

 Biologically, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones which take priority over your rational reasoning. Your awareness is heightened and you prepare either to fight the danger you are faced with, or to run away from it. It is an automatic process taking place on the level of animal instinct and is often beyond our control.

CAUSES

Sometimes this fear and distress can be attached to something specific going on in our lives and sometimes it cannot. As with so many mental health conditions, the exact causes of General Anxiety are not fully understood and often vary according to the individual.

Research from the NHS suggests they include:

·       Overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotions and behaviour

·       An imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline, which affects control and regulation of mood

·       Genes you inherit from your parents

·       A history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, abuse or bullying

·       Having a painful long-term health condition

·       Having a history of drug or alchohol misuse

SYMPTOMS

Generalised anxiety - being constantly prone to tension and worry - has a significant effect on your daily life. Symptoms vary according to the individual, but can include:

·       Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)

·       Post Tramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

·       Panic Attacks

·       Constant feelings of restlessness and worry

·       Sleep disturbance

·       Hypervigilance towards others

·       Relationship disturbance – neediness, irritability or withdrawal

·       Concentration problems

·       Feeling overwhelmed

·       Headaches, muscle tension, heart palpitation, digestion problems

·       Sexual problems

·       Compulsive behaviours

CAN COUNSELLING THERAPY HELP?

Yes. Anxiety disorders are treatable and can be alleviated. They do not have to rule your life. Counselling therapy provides a safe place for you to step away from the noisy clamour and relentless onslaught of worries. Together we can examine and identify what is happening and devise a plan of personal recovery. Make it stand out.