Anxiety
Anxiety is our natural response to a perceived threat. What triggers anxiety for one person might not bother someone else at all.
It's normal to feel anxious sometimes! Although persistent or excessive anxiety can impact our health and greatly interfere with daily life. While anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, the good news is that there are lots of ways to manage it.
Understanding Anxiety
There’s a lot of talk about anxiety these days, and if you’re experiencing it you know how deeply it can affect you. But here’s the thing: anxiety isn’t always bad.
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There’s no question that experiencing anxiety is uncomfortable, but in small doses, it can actually be very helpful. Why? Because it protects us from danger and focuses our attention on problems. But when anxiety gets too intense or happens too often, it can really start to take a toll. It's natural to want to avoid whatever’s causing it, and that might help—or even be necessary—in the moment.
While it’s important to have quick tools to manage it in the moment (which you’ll find further down), once you’ve calmed down and have space to reflect, it might be worth reflecting on why it showed up in the first place.
Here's a bit more about anxiety, what causes it, symptoms to look out for, and how you can manage it. ​​​​​​​​​​​
Common Causes of Anxiety​
Anxiety can be triggered by various factors, including:
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Stress: Ongoing stress at work, school, or home can lead to anxiety. Big life changes, like moving or losing a job, can also trigger it.
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Trauma: Past traumatic experiences, such as abuse or accidents, can cause anxiety disorders.
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Health Issues: Chronic health conditions or a family history of anxiety disorders can increase the risk.
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Substance Use: Caffeine, alcohol, and certain medications can trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.
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Genetics: Some people are more predisposed to anxiety due to their genetic makeup.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety manifests differently in everyone, but common symptoms include:
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Physical: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
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Cognitive: Racing thoughts, excessive worry, and difficulty concentrating.
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Emotional: Feelings of dread, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed.
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Behavioral: Avoiding certain situations, restlessness, or changes in sleep patterns.
​​Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety, like most other things, is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are various types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms:
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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Chronic worry about everyday issues.
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Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations.
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Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive thoughts and behaviors.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety following a traumatic event.
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Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations.
When Extra Support May Be Helpful
If anxiety is affecting your ability to function in your day-to-day life, it may be time to reach out for some extra support. Anxiety is common, but it's debilitating when it's persistent, and you may benefits from the support of someone who is trained in managing your symptoms.
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The good news is that anxiety is a common and manageable condition. By understanding its causes and symptoms, and exploring different management strategies, you can regain control over your life.
If you're having a hard time with anxiety, I'd love to chat. Together, we can find help you feel more peaceful.
