In my experience, I have witnessed a concerning surge in anxiety among my clients over the past couple of years, including children.
However, I strongly believe that this debilitating condition can be effectively treated with the right kind of assistance.
Through this article, I hope to provide some valuable insights and guidance that may offer a way forward in dealing with this issue.
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or a perceived threat. It is a feeling of unease, nervousness, or worry, which can be experienced in varying degrees of intensity.
Anxiety can manifest in a range of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms, including:
- Muscle tension.
- Sweating.
- Restlessness.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Feelings of impending doom.
Although considered a normal stress response, anxiety can take on problematic proportions when it becomes excessive and encroaches on daily life.
Anxiety disorders, categorised among the most widespread mental health conditions, have a debilitating impact on a person’s personal and professional life.
They can severely affect one’s capacity to function effectively.
While anxiety is a normal and often helpful response to stressful situations, it can become problematic when it becomes excessive and starts to interfere with daily life.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and can be debilitating, affecting a person’s ability to function personally and professionally.
- There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
- Panic disorder.
- Social anxiety disorder.
- Specific phobias.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Each type of anxiety disorder has its unique set of symptoms, triggers, and treatments.
TYPES OF ANXIETY:
Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by excessive worry and anxiety about everyday events, such as work, finances, and relationships, that can last for months.
Panic disorder involves sudden and unexpected panic attacks, which can cause intense physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, and chest pain.
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged, criticised.
As I mentioned earlier, anxiety is a natural response to stress or a perceived threat.
It is a normal part of the body’s fight-or-flight response, which helps to protect us from danger by preparing our bodies to respond quickly to potential threats.
However, when this response becomes excessive, it can lead to anxiety disorders.
What is the cause of anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
They can also be triggered by stressful life events such as a traumatic experience, a major life change, or chronic stress.
People with anxiety disorders often experience intense feelings of fear, worry, and panic, which can be triggered by specific situations, objects, or events.
The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Some common physical symptoms of anxiety include:
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Increased heart rate.
- Muscle tension.
- Headaches.
- Insomnia.
Emotional symptoms of anxiety can include feelings of:
Fear.
Worry or panic. Irritability, Restlessness. Difficulty concentrating.
Cognitive symptoms of anxiety can include:
Excessive worrying. Negative thoughts. Catastrophic thinking.
In summary, anxiety is a natural response to stress or a perceived threat, but it can become problematic when it becomes excessive and starts to interfere with daily life.
Anxiety disorders are common and can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
There are effective treatments available for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication.
You can read more about anxiety disorders here: NIMH » Anxiety Disorders
HOW ANXIETY AFFECTS THE BODY
Anxiety is a normal response to stress or a perceived threat, but when it becomes excessive, it can have a negative impact on the body.
Anxiety can affect the body in several ways, including physical symptoms, changes in behaviour, and changes in brain chemistry.
One of the most common physical symptoms of anxiety is muscle tension.
When we experience anxiety, our bodies go into “fight or flight” mode, which causes the muscles to tense up.
This can lead to physical discomfort and pain, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Another physical symptom of anxiety is an increased heart rate.
When we experience anxiety, our bodies release adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can cause the heart rate to increase.
This can lead to feelings of palpitations or a racing heart.
Anxiety can also affect the digestive system.
When we experience anxiety, the body diverts blood away from the digestive system to other parts of the body, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
Changes in behaviour can also be a result of anxiety.
For example, people with anxiety may avoid social situations or other activities that trigger their anxiety.
They may also engage in behaviours such as excessive checking, cleaning, or reassurance seeking to manage their anxiety.
Anxiety can also affect brain chemistry. When we experience anxiety, the brain releases chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to changes in brain function.
Over time, these changes can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function.
Chronic anxiety can also have long-term effects on the body.
For example, it can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and increase the risk of developing chronic pain conditions.
In summary, anxiety can have a negative impact on the body.
Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, increased heart rate, and digestive problems are common.
Changes in behaviour and brain chemistry can also be a result of anxiety.
Chronic anxiety can have long-term effects on the body, which underscores the importance of effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
BENEFITS OF ANXIETY ( yes benefits!)
Anxiety can cause people to exhibit certain habits, such as overthinking and worrying excessively.
But these same habits can be turned around to become strengths.
Discover more about how anxiety-related habits can be used positively and start living a happier, healthier life!
Here are some potential benefits of Anxiety:
Improved focus: Anxiety can increase mental alertness and help us stay focused on tasks that require our attention. In this way, anxiety can enhance our ability to perform well in situations that require concentration and attention to detail.
Heightened awareness: Anxiety can increase our awareness of potential dangers or threats in our environment. This can help us stay safe and avoid risky situations.
Motivation: Anxiety can be a powerful motivator, prompting us to take action and make changes in our lives. It can push us to take steps to improve our situation or confront difficult challenges.
Increased empathy: People with anxiety may be more attuned to the emotions of others and better able to empathise with their experiences. This can help build stronger relationships and promote a more compassionate and understanding society.
Greater resilience: Overcoming anxiety can build resilience and strength. People who have experienced anxiety and have learned to manage it effectively may be better equipped to handle future challenges and setbacks.
Increased problem-solving abilities: Anxiety can prompt us to think critically and develop creative solutions to problems. It can enhance our problem-solving abilities and help us come up with new ideas and perspectives.
Improved performance under pressure: Anxiety can help us perform better in high-pressure situations such as job interviews, public speaking, or athletic competitions. It can increase our arousal levels and help us focus our attention, which can lead to better performance.
Increased caution and preparedness: Anxiety can make us more cautious and prepared for potential risks or dangers. This can help us avoid accidents or other negative outcomes.
Heightened creativity: Anxiety can stimulate creativity and lead to new insights and ideas. It can prompt us to think outside the box and approach problems in novel ways.
Self-awareness: Anxiety can make us more aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This can help us identify patterns or triggers that contribute to our anxiety and make positive changes in our lives.
Improved decision-making: Anxiety can prompt us to carefully consider our options and make more thoughtful decisions. It can help us weigh the potential risks and benefits of different courses of action.
Greater sense of purpose: Anxiety can prompt us to reflect on our values and priorities and pursue activities that are meaningful and fulfilling. It can motivate us to make positive changes in our lives and strive for personal growth.
Anxiety may make you intelligent: A person who tends to be anxious may also naturally be highly intelligent. Anxious people can be incredibly good researchers, critical thinkers, and analyzers.
Tips to help manage anxiety:
1. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
2. Exercise regularly, as it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote overall mental health.
3. Maintain a healthy diet that includes whole foods, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
4. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep can make anxiety worse.
5. Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to anxiety.
This can be done through therapy, Hypnotherapy, or self-help techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy.
6. Engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
7. Practice good time management and prioritise tasks to help reduce stress and overwhelm.
8. Seek social support from friends, family, or support groups. Talking about your feelings with others can help you feel less alone and more supported.
9. Consider mindfulness practices such as yoga or tai chi, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
10. Practice self-care activities that help you feel good, such as taking a relaxing bath, getting a massage, or treating yourself to something you enjoy.
11. Keep a journal to help identify triggers and patterns of anxiety. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can also help you process and manage them.
12. Use positive affirmations to challenge negative self-talk and replace it with more positive and supportive thoughts.
13. Avoid or limit exposure to news or social media that may be causing or exacerbating your anxiety.
14. Learn and practice coping skills such as visualisation, distraction, and reframing to help manage anxiety in the moment.
15. Set small achievable goals for yourself to help build confidence and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
16. Focus on the present moment and practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or body scans.
17. Consider alternative or complementary therapies such as Hypnotherapy, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, or Aromatherapy.
18. Surround yourself with positive uplifting people.
Remember that everyone’s experience with anxiety is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
It’s important to be patient and persistent in finding what works best for you.
With time, effort, and the right support, it is possible to effectively manage and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Lastly, it’s important to take care of yourself and prioritise your mental health.
By implementing these tips and seeking help when needed, you can effectively manage your anxiety and improve your overall quality of life.