Anxiety

Anxiety is a very common emotion and can be a useful tool in helping us to recognise and respond to danger. however, for some people, anxiety can become so strong and pervasive that it interferes with their daily life, making it hard to face normal, everyday tasks. This is when anxiety moves from being a normal emotion to an anxiety disorder.

There are several types of anxiety that can affect people, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Phobias, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). GAD is characterized by feeling anxious about most things, which can have an impact on concentration, sleep, appetite, and everyday life. Panic Disorder involves experiencing intense panic, which can be caused by specific situations or more generally. People may become anxious about having another panic attack and the focus of the anxiety becomes the anticipation of anxiety. Health Anxiety involves focusing on potential health issues. Phobias involve having an extreme fear of something, and OCD involves having obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

Anxiety is an incredibly common feeling that many of us experience at some point in our lives. It can be overwhelming and cause us to feel stuck, leading us to search for ways to manage it. While medication can help regulate anxious feelings, the most effective way to manage anxiety in the long run is through therapy, which focuses on the underlying causes of the anxiety and how to work through the triggers.

If you have been feeling overwhelmed due to anxiety interfering in your everyday life and relationships, it is essential to get professional help. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are proven to be the most effective treatments for anxiety. Anxiety often causes a feeling of vulnerability, and when external events amplify this sensation, it can make anxiety symptoms even more severe.