As a therapist specialising in counselling for anxiety, I often get asked what actually is anxiety? It’s a word frequently used that describes a wide range of feelings and situations.
In today’s world, there’s a noticeable rise in people being affected by anxiety. However, anxiety itself can be complex and hard to understand. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my perspective on what anxiety is, and in future blog posts, offer some practical tips on how to manage it effectively through counselling.
So, what exactly is anxiety?
At its core, anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about something with an uncertain outcome. It’s that inner voice asking:
- What if something goes wrong?
- What if I fail?
- What if others don’t like me?
- Why is my heart racing?
We’ve all experienced some level of anxiety at one time or another.
However persistent anxiety can take a toll on your mental and physical health. As a counsellor, I see firsthand how anxiety can impact daily life. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of anxiety to address them effectively.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of anxiety:
- Panic or overwhelming fear
- Upset stomach or digestive issues
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness or restlessness
- Short, shallow breathing
- Excessive sweating or flushing
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling irritable or on edge
- Exhaustion or low energy
- Avoiding social situations
- Giving up before trying
- Making excuses to avoid certain tasks
Sound familiar?
It’s important to note that feeling anxiety is completely normal, especially when stepping outside your comfort zone. In fact, some anxiety can be beneficial, helping you grow as a person. For example, giving a speech in high school was incredibly nerve-wracking for me, but it was a manageable type of anxiety that passed.
However, anxiety becomes a problem when it starts having a negative impact on your life. Counselling for anxiety can help manage those overwhelming feelings and get you feeling like you are in control of the anxiety, not the other way around.
Think of anxiety as a place—it’s okay to visit, but you don’t want to live there every day.
Managing Anxiety: A Toolbox Approach
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for anxiety. It’s a complex issue that requires different approaches. As a counsellor, I help clients build a toolbox of strategies to manage their anxiety. Over the next few blog posts, I’ll break down anxiety fully and share proven techniques that I’ve found to be effective in anxiety counselling.
For now, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to helping you fill your anxiety toolbox in future posts.
Take care,
Gareth