Anxiety is a hidden condition only really known to those suffering from it. Sufferers may seem completely ‘normal’ to their friends, family and work colleagues, or even ‘just a little down in the dumps’, but left un-treated, anxiety can become a real challenge.
So what is anxiety and when does it become a real challenge?
The symptoms of anxiety vary between people, some will only experience a few symptoms, while others will experience many. The important thing to note is not the number of symptoms, but their severity. Most of us will experience one or more of the following feelings or emotions during times of stress, but if we can’t seem to shake them, or they become worse, we need to consider getting professional help:
- Feeling frightened, nervous or in a state of panic
- Not feeling hungry – very little appetite
- Inability to concentrate – making mistakes and being forgetful
- Problems sleeping – being tired and irritable during the day
- Feeling light headed – inability to focus
- Heart races or feels like it’s thumping out of your chest
- Irritable bowels – stomach cramps, upset stomach
- Excessive worrying – turning things over in your mind all the time
- Controlling behaviour – the need to take control of situations or relationships
It may be that you can’t remember the last time that you felt relaxed or seem to be constantly ‘on edge’. This is called ‘General Anxiety Disorder’ and is a long term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a range of situations rather than just one event.
Whether your anxiety is long-term or due to a recent period in your life which is causing worry like an exam, work stress or a troubling event, you should seek help as soon as you can.
Firstly, seek advice from your GP to ensure that any of the symptoms aren’t the cause of an underlying health condition. Your GP may prescribe antidepressants or refer you to a therapist however, the latter may take some time as waiting lists are often quite long.
If you don’t want to wait for help then seek support from a professional therapist who can explore the reasons why you are feeling anxious and find ways to help you deal with your anxiety. You can find a local therapist on the internet or contact me at the Garden Clinic for an appointment.
How will therapy help?
Professional therapy will enable you to identify the root cause of the issues that are causing your anxiety. The therapist will work with you to enable you to discover ways to cope with your feelings of anxiety, and build tools to enable you to identify and combat an anxiety attack.
Don’t suffer with anxiety – get help. It may only take a few sessions and your mental health is worth it. It will only take a few hours to help you cope with the rest of your life.
Please remember that the relationship you have with your therapist is important. Don’t be tempted to purchase a ‘course’ of treatments that tie you to a therapist that you don’t like – that will just increase your anxiety. Have one treatment, then if you wish to continue with a ‘course’ make any bulk purchase after you are happy with the therapist you have seen. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a therapist you don’t connect with – they will understand.
Jayne Jones
BSc(Hons) Psych (Open), Cert.Couns.Studies