Anxiety

Anxiety is something that we are faced with on a daily basis. We are subject to all kinds of threats to our way of life, and anxiety is healthy in that it readies us for action. This is normal anxiety.

However, when it takes over your life and you cannot stop worrying and being overpowered by intensely negative emotions, then that needs to be addressed because of the terrible cost to you. This is neurotic anxiety.

I am aware that if you are living with this debilitating condition life will probably feel intolerable.

You may also experience relationship problems, depression and low self-esteem along with it. Counselling however, works on all these simultaneously!

Psychological Symptoms

These are some of the things you might notice.

• Excessive worrying
• Difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep
• Problems concentrating
• Irritability
• Unease or shaky sensations
• Needing frequent reassurance
• Becoming tearful

Symptoms others might notice

If excessive, you might also have physical symptoms that can be embarrassing or debilitating.

• Heart palpitations
• Faster breathing or difficulty breathing
• Pounding heartbeat
• Panic attacks
• Nausea
• Chest pains
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Sweating hands/feet/general sweating
• Feeling faint
• Needing the toilet more than usual

Social Effects

You experience discomfort and don't want others to know

• Worrying that others might judge you
• Thinking you are 'not good enough'
• You might not be very alert to social situations because you are focussed on your worries
• Performance at work suffers because you are tired, which makes you even more anxious
• You dare not go out

Types of Anxiety

This condition covers a broad range of types.

• Generalised Anxiety disorder (GAD) - you have no idea what drives it
• Social Anxiety - you avoid social situations
• Panic disorder - you have panic attacks

What can a Counsellor do to help you recover?

Recovery

I have worked with many people who have recovered enough to stop taking medication within just a few weeks.

I know it's not something a person can fix alone, but I will put my experience at your disposal and will listen intently to what you are saying. I will encourage you to look at what is going on and understand not only why you are addicted to worry, but what you can do to get back in control.

I aim to help you get your life back and to reflect on what you learn from counselling with me what you need so you can overcome any future setbacks too!