It is to be expected that, as part of being human, each of us will experience fear or worry at different points in our lives. A normal part of living in the world includes certain emotional distress. For some however, this worry, fear or stress can tip over to the extent that it interferes with or impedes our daily lives.
This persistent or excessive fear or worry, can be extremely difficult to live with and can prevent us from living a full and enriching life.
Anxiety and Anxiety disorders come with varying and wide-ranging symptoms, that vary person to person.
These can include:
Fear and worry; fears may be general or specific
Feeling nervous, irritable, restless, or on edge
Feeling impending danger or panic; possibly with no obvious reason
Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
Sweating or trembling
Heart palpitations or increased heart rate
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite and eating patterns, including craving comforting foods
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Nightmares
Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, or heartburn
Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs to try to cope with stress and other uncomfortable feelings
If you suffer from these or some of these symptoms it can be difficult to know where to start or where to go to address them. Fortunately, there are many different avenues on offer, and the benefit nowadays of a greater degree of awareness both societally, and in the helping professions.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
If you would like further information, do not hesitate to contact me katiebrockpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Meditation & Mindfulness
I am a self-professed procrastinator when it comes to meditation and am always surprised at its efficacy. Meditation can be particularly helpful for people dealing with overwhelming or distracting thoughts and is proven to help to ease mild anxiety. There are some wonderful apps available now which can help kick start your meditation journey and ease you into the practice.
Exercise
The research speaks for itself on this one. Our mental and physical health are inextricably linked and taking care of one, positively influences the other. Exercise helps increase energy and reduce stress. I find that setting realistic goals is important, going all out is not sustainable and can leave one feeling depleted and more likely to give up. So, try to choose something moderate at first that you enjoy and can sustain.
Talking Therapies
Psychotherapy and Counselling, whatever the modality or type, can specifically address feelings of anxiety and worry by developing a deeper understanding of their origins and triggers.
Medication
Many individuals benefit from medications that treat anxiety symptoms. It is important to be aware that not every option works for everyone and that some treatments may take some time to work effectively.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional about the best option for you. You can also contact me for a free initial consultation, if you feel therapy might be something you’d like to explore, at katiebrockpsychotherapy@gmail.com
