Do I have anxiety?

You may be suffering from a range of unpleasant thoughts and symptoms, you may feel like you are worrying all the time or feeling on edge, but do you have anxiety? The only way to answer this question is to understand what anxiety is and explore if this is what you are experiencing.

Anxiety is a common mental health problem that is often misunderstood, so what is it exactly and why do so many of us experience it at some point in our lives?
Everyone’s mental health on a continuum. Within this continuum most people will experience anxiety to varying degrees. Anxiety is a common emotion and part of being human.

According to NHS Choices, “Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.”

Fundamentally, it is an emotional state that involves a range of unpleasant symptoms often characterised by a general feeling of unease, feeling nervous, worrying excessively, avoiding challenging situations, overthinking as well as a wide variety of physical symptoms and sensations such as feeling nauseous, insomnia, appetite change, nervous habits, and sleep disturbances. Many people experience mild or moderate anxiety symptoms, especially in a stressful situation, for example before an important job interview, or before sitting an exam. However, some people may experience more severe or chronic symptoms including panic attacks or intense anxiety that is so debilitating that it interferes with their ability to do routine daily tasks and activities. There are a wide range of anxiety disorders varying from common disorders which can usually be diagnosed by a GP to severe or complex disorders that require diagnosis by a suitably qualified medical professional, usually a psychiatrist.
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Why do I feel anxious?

Usually, people feel anxious when they feel afraid, when something feels threatening in some way or when they are required to step out of their comfort zone and do something that feels challenging. These feelings are entirely normal and natural. This is because of the way in which our brains function. All humans and animals experience this response when feeling threatened, in danger, or at risk in some way.

When your brain perceives something as threatening, a primitive part of the brain known as the limbic system, which is our “survival centre” swings into action to protect us from danger. The limbic system functions on auto pilot and it produces a powerful instant reaction which triggers what is known as the fight, flight, fawn, flop, or freeze response. This response is triggered by various parts of the limbic system, namely the amygdala, which in turn activates the hypothalamus to release powerful brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters include the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.

Imagine that you are a cave dweller in early neolithic times, busy hunting and gathering when you spot a large tiger that is stalking you. In a split second, your limbic system would be activated, and you would respond accordingly. A sudden surge in adrenaline and cortisol would result in an increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, sweating and more than likely a strong urge to run away! (A flight response).

This activation of the limbic system is essential for our survival when there is a significant threat, but what happens when the threat is less significant? In our modern everyday lives, most people rarely face significant threats or dangers. However, the limbic system can become activated by something that we perceive as threatening; a requirement to give a presentation at work, a journey that involves flying, an appointment at the dentist, and so on. Although we are not being chased by a tiger, the limbic system becomes activated because we feel afraid, threatened or at risk in some way. The release of stress hormones causes common symptoms of anxiety such as tension headaches, muscular tension, sleeplessness, and restlessness. This can also encompass fears and phobias, social anxiety, overthinking, procrastination, and many other problems. When the feelings and symptoms of anxiety persist, they can stop us from leading fulfilling lives.

What can I do about anxiety?

Well, the good news is that you’re not alone. Anxiety affects everyone to varying degrees of difficulty during their lives. When anxiety feels like it is getting out of control, then it is a good idea to seek professional help.
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Some people who suffer from severe or complex anxiety may need to see their GP and be referred to a clinical psychologist or a psychiatrist for specialist help. However, most people will experience mild to moderate anxiety and may benefit from any of the following options of their choice:

• Hypnotherapy.
• Mindfulness based meditation.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Medication may be prescribed by your GP.
• A combination of any or all the above depending individual needs, responsiveness to the form of therapy and personal preference.

There are some useful things that you could do to help yourself to cope better with your anxiety and these include:

• Self-care activities such as treating yourself to a nice meal or an evening out, having a spa day and so on.
• Positive interaction with people who are supportive and uplifting.
• Physical activity in the form of any kind of exercise that you find enjoyable.
• Getting outdoors in the fresh air. For example, many people find a daily walk for about half an hour can help to ease their anxiety and lift their mood.
• Taking up a hobby that enables you to mentally switch off.
• ​Breathing and relaxation exercises.
• Developing a daily meditation practice.  

I post tips and advice about how to manage anxiety on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

Will I always feel anxious?

It is unlikely that you will always feel anxious. Anxious feelings come and go but high anxiety is transient. Chronic or persistent anxiety can be managed. The limbic system is the reactive part of our brain that overrides our ability to think logically and rationally but the brain is like plastic. It is malleable which means that it can be changed. This is known as neuroplasticity.

Furthermore, there is another part of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex. It is also known as “the executive mind.” This part of the brain is logical and helps us to reason and behave in a rational manner. With the right kind of therapy, a person can learn how to change their behaviour and patterns of thinking. These changes can help a person to feel less anxious, sometimes to the extent that the anxiety diminishes significantly.

Anxiety is an emotion that is essential for our survival, so we would not want to eliminate the ability to feel anxious. My goal is to enable my clients to understand and manage their anxious behaviour and thinking patterns, so that they can make positive changes and improve their situation. Learning how to manage mild to moderate anxiety is certainly achievable for most people.

Solution focused hypnotherapy is the type of hypnotherapy that I practise. It is informed by neuroscience and based upon solution focused brief therapy which is an evidence based therapeutic practice. I am also a mindfulness teacher and an anxiety specialist with nine years’ experience in helping people with a wide range of anxiety related problems.

If you would like to find out more about how I could help you then go to: Hypnotherapy for Anxiety.
 
© Tracy Daniels 

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