Worry and anxiety are interlinked.
Anxiety is described by the Mental Health Foundation as “a type of fear usually associated with the thought of a threat or something going wrong in the future, but can arise from something happening right now.”
“Worry is the state or feeling of anxiety and unhappiness caused by the problems that you have or by thinking about unpleasant things that might happen.” (Collins English Dictionary)
Depression is also often linked to anxiety. It is estimated that over 50% of those who suffer with depression also suffer with anxiety.
Anxiety is actually a normal part of life. It is a natural part of the survival instinct that we each have which was designed to protect us from danger in the face of Trauma. Unfortunately in modern life stress can come in many forms so that anxiety can persist even when the immediate cause of the stress is unclear, or has been and gone.
Some people can identify the source of their anxiety in an incident of Trauma such as a significant life event like a loss or bereavement, divorce, assault or rape. For other people anxiety may arise due to lots of pressures building up. Others may not be able to identify any cause but are acutely aware of the symptoms of anxiety such as:
- how it affects your ability to sleep;
- a loss of confidence;
- the impact on your relationships;
- feeling anger bubbling beneath the surface;
- negative feelings
- guilt, shame or self-blame
Anxiety causes physical sensations within our bodies which are designed to alert us to potential danger. These could include:
- quick shallow breathing
- tension in our muscles
- butterflies in the stomach
- loose bowels / Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- sweating
- shaking
- tingling in the hands and feet
- tension headaches
- fibromyalgia
Can Talking Therapy Help?
Speaking to a counsellor who will listen to you without judgement but with empathy and respect can help you to look at your fears and support you to make the changes you need to break the cycle of anxiety.
I work in a number of ways including CBT, mindfulness and relaxation.