ANXIETY

Everyone experiences Anxiety at some time, as it is a natural response to avoid dangerous situations and to motivate us to solve everyday problems. Anxiety can vary in severity from mild uneasiness through a terrifying panic attack. It can vary in how long it lasts, for a few moments to many years.

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An anxiety disorder is more severe, it is long- lasting & it interferes with the persons work and relationships.

 

It affects women twice as more than men (however men find it harder to talk), and people aged 18-34 are more at risk than any other group. 

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Common Anxieties....

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  • The thought of sitting an exam

  • Going to hospital

  • Waiting for medical test results

  • Attending an interview

  • Giving a speech

  • Starting a new job

  • Worry about feeling uncomfortable

  • Appearing foolish infront of people

  • How successful you are or will be

  • Judgement from others

  • Confrontation

  • Thinking someone disapproves of you

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Physical Effects

  • Palpitations, chest pain, fast heart rate

  • Hyperventilation, shortness of breath Dizziness, headache, sweating, tingling, numbness

  • Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, urinary frequency, diarrhoea

  • Muscle aches and pains (neck, shoulders & lower back) Restlessness, tremor and shaking

Psychological Effects 

  • Unrealistic/excessive fear and worry about past and future events

  • Mind racing and going blank 

  • Decreased concentration and memory

  • Difficulty making decisions

  • Irritability, impatience, anger

  • Confusion

  • Restlessness or feeling on edge, nervousness 

  • Tiredness, sleep disturbance and vivid dreams

  • Unwanted repetitive thoughts 

Behavioural Effects 

  • Avoidance of situations

  • Repetitive compulsive behaviour e.g. excessive checking and continual seeking of reassurance 

  • Distress in social situations

  • Urges to escape situations that cause discomfort 

Meditation

Is a profound form of relaxation that helps us to connect with our inner self. With regular practise you can gain a state of inner peace and calmness that affects all aspects of our lives. The aim of meditation is to quieten the constant chatter of the mind, so you can experience inner stillness. 

To access quick meditation tips CLICK HERE

Types of Anxiety Disorders 

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 

  • Panic Disorder 

  • Phobias

  • Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) 

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Mixed anxiety and depression 

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Risk Factors of Anxiety 

  • Genetics 

  • Being more sensitive, emotional person who tends to see the world as threatening.

  • A history in marked shyness in childhood or adolescence for social anxiety disorder.

  • Persistent ongoing stress or extreme stress.

  • Adverse experience in childhood, including unsupported bereavement/loss, or lack of care/neglect or abuse. 

  • Poverty, poor education and social disadvantage.

  • Being a victim of crime, death, serious illness in the family, having an accident, bullying or victimisation, serration or divorce.

  • Having another mental health issue. 

 

Anxiety symptoms can result from:

  • Medical conditions

  • Side effects of certain prescription drugs

  • Use and misuse of alcohol and non-prescription drugs 

  • Withdrawal from alcohol or prescription and non-prescription drugs.