Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is the feeling of fear we all experience when faced with threatening or difficult situations. It helps us to avoid dangerous situations, makes us alert and motivates us to deal with problems. When these feelings become too strong they can stop us from doing the things we want to.

Symptoms

Feeling worried all the time
Tiredness
Irritability
Unable to sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Racing heartbeat
Sweating
Muscle tension and pains
Shaking
Breathing heavily
Feeling dizzy or faint
Indigestion or diarrhoea

If you are anxious already, the physical symptoms can make you worry they are signs of a serious illness. This can make you even more anxious. Anxiety and panic are often accompanied by feelings of depression, losing your appetite, or seeing the future as bleak and hopeless.

Treatments

You may want to firstly speak to a friend or relative you trust and respect, and who is a good listener. They may have had the same problem themselves, or know someone else who has.
You may benefit from talking to a UKCP accredited psychotherapist outside your usual circle of friends and family. Psychotherapy is a working relationship in which you are helped to explore and manage what is happening in your life. Key aims are to help you understand and control your anxieties and to find better ways of dealing with life’s continuing challenges. Examples include: integrative and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Some people find it easier to join a group with others who have similar problems. This means you gain valuable experience and feedback in a supportive confidential environment. Groups often focus on themes such as anxiety, panic, relationship and employment difficulties.

Antidepressants can help but often take two to four weeks to work and may have side effects.

Relaxation exercises, laughter and all forms of meditation are helpful in reducing stress. By focusing on positive issues and removing all negative thoughts from your mind for a fixed period, you will soon see a big difference

Self help tools can enable you to continue to function more effectively and confidently. For example, teach yourself books and DVDs.