Online Counseling & Psychotherapy
ANXIETY
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, unease, or worry that typically occurs in the absence of an imminent threat. It differs from fear, which is the body’s natural response to immediate danger.
Anxiety is part of the body's natural reaction to stress, so it can be helpful at times, making you more alert and ready for action.
Anxiety disorders and normal feelings of anxiousness are two different things. Many of us get anxious when faced with particular situations we find stressful, but if those feelings don’t subside, the anxiety could be more chronic. When feelings of fear or nervousness become excessive, difficult to control, or interfere with daily life, an anxiety disorder may be present.
Types Of Anxieties
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GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER : You feel excessive, unrealistic worry and tension with little or no reason.
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PANIC DISORDER : You feel sudden, intense fear that brings on a panic attack. During a panic attack you may break out in a sweat, have chest pain, and have a pounding heartbeat (palpitations). Sometimes you may feel like you’re choking or having a heart attack.
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SOCIAL PHOBIA : Also called social phobia, this is when you feel overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. You obsessively worry about others judging you or being embarrassed or ridiculed.
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SPECIFIC PHOBIA : You feel intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights or flying. The fear goes beyond what’s appropriate and may cause you to avoid ordinary situations.
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AGORAPHOBIA : You have an intense fear of being in a place where it seems hard to escape or get help if an emergency occurs. For example, you may panic or feel anxious when on an airplane, public transportation, or standing in line with a crowd.
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SEPERATION ANXIETY : Little kids aren’t the only ones who feel scared or anxious when a loved one leaves. Anyone can get separation anxiety disorder. If you do, you’ll feel very anxious or fearful when a person you’re close with leaves your sight. You’ll always worry that something bad may happen to your loved one.
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SELECTIVE MUTISM : This is a type of social anxiety in which young kids who talk normally with their family don’t speak in public, like at school.
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MEDICATION-INDUCED ANXIETY DISORDER : Use of certain medications or illegal drugs, or withdrawal from certain drugs, can trigger some symptoms of anxiety disorder.
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PAST OR CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES : Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma is likely to have a particularly big impact if it happens when you're very young. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse , neglect ,losing a parent ,being bullied or being socially excluded. Having parents who don't treat you warmly, are overprotective or are emotionally inconsistent can also be a factor
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YOUR CURRENT LIFE SITUATION : Current issues or problems in your life can also trigger anxiety. For example: exhaustion or a build up of stress ,long working hours ,being out of work ,feeling under pressure while studying or in work ,having money problems, homelessness or housing problems ,losing someone close to you ,feeling lonely or isolated ,being bullied, harassed or abused.
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PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS : Other health problems can sometimes cause anxiety, or might make it worse. For example: Physical health problems- living with a serious, ongoing or life-threatening physical health condition can sometimes trigger anxiety. Other mental health problems- it's also common to develop anxiety while living with other mental health problems, such as depression.
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DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS : Anxiety can sometimes be a side effect of taking: some psychiatric medications ,some medications for physical health problems , recreational drugs or alcohol.​
Causes Of Anxiety
Symptoms Of Anxiety
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
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Repetitive thoughts
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Lack of focus and concentration
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Excessive worry and/or fear
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Forgetfulness
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Feelings of hopelessness
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Low energy
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Lack of emotional stability
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Disturbed lifestyle
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Nervousness
PHYSIOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
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Social withdrawal
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Lashing out
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Difficulty in adjustment
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Trouble facing people
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Loss of voice
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Passivity
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Nervousness in social situations
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Difficulty initiating a conversation
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Fear of embarrassment
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Fear of humiliation
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Social isolation
SOCIAL SYMPTOMS
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Nausea
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Muscle tension
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Uneasiness
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Sweaty palms
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Fatigue
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Distress
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Panic attacks
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Rapid heartbeat
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Restlessness
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Palpitations
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Tightening of chest
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Dry mouth
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Hot & cold flushes
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Loss of appetite
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Weight loss
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Lack of quality sleep
Recommended Treatments For Anxiety
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Learning Progressive Relaxation (LPR)
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Guided Imagery
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Exposure therapy
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
