Anxiety can be overcome if you truly understand the cause

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a very natural and normal human response to stress or perceived threats.  Anxiety is complex emotion that involves feelings of unease, apprehension, worry, and nervousness. We all experience anxiety at some point and mild levels of anxiety can help us stay alert and focused in challenging situations, but excessive or chronic anxiety can become problematic and interfere with daily life.

We can organise Anxiety into 5 possible categories: Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety and Other Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Individuals with anxiety disorders may have persistent and intense symptoms that interfere with their daily functioning and quality of life.

If anxiety is significantly impacting your well-being or ability to function, it can be helpful to seek support from mental health professionals who can provide appropriate diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Here are some techniques to consider for Generalised Anxiety Disorder GAD:

Mindfulness and Grounding:

Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present and reduce excessive worrying about the future.  

Thought Challenging:

Challenge negative and anxious thoughts by asking yourself questions such as:

· Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?

· What's the evidence for and against this thought?

· How likely is the worst-case scenario to happen?

· What's a more balanced or realistic way to view this situation?

Relaxation Techniques:

Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery. These techniques can help calm your body's stress response and promote relaxation.

Physical Activity:

Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

Journaling:

Keep a journal to track your anxious thoughts and feelings. This can help you identify patterns, triggers, and progress over time. Noticing and writing down positive aspects of your life can shift your focus away from anxiety.

Social Support:

Talk to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings. Connecting with others can provide a sense of validation, understanding, and relief from the isolation that anxiety can create.

Limiting Stressors:

Identify sources of stress in your life and consider making changes to reduce their impact. This might involve setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or reassessing commitments.

Remember overcoming GAD is a gradual process, and different techniques work for different individuals.  For some people CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works well.   It's important to be patient with yourself and to seek professional help if your symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life.  

If you feel you are struggling with your anxiety then why not call or email me for an initial session.  We can discuss how anxiety is impacting your life and what could be done to support you.

Give yourself permission to be patient.

Be kind to yourself.