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It is natural for everyone to experience anxiety now and again. A lot of people are able to relate to those feelings of being perhaps fearful of starting their new job, going to an interview, having to go into hospital or even sitting for an exam. A person could worry about how successful they will be, appearing foolish, or about being uncomfortable in any situation. In turn, all of these worries could start to affect your appetite, sleep and being able to concentrate. If all goes well though, these anxieties will sooner or later go away. These short term anxieties can actually be useful. When you are nervous before your exam this nervous energy could help to make you feel a lot more alert. Your performance is thus enhanced. However, if these feelings of anxiety start to overwhelm you then your ability to do well and concentrate may suffer. Coping with anxiety becomes easier the more you understand it. Infact, understanding anxiety is the first step towards coping with and ultimately, treating it effectively. In any stressful situation such as an anxiety attack the brain will trigger an overflow of chemicals into the bloodstream. When this happens: •Your heart will start to beat faster and you will feel it beating in your chest, sometimes irregularly. •Your chest might feel tight and your legs turn to jelly. •Your breath will become rapid and shallow. •Your muscles will tense, and your mind will be totally alert. •You could also experience light headedness, sickness and nausea. •You might suddenly need to go the toilet or experience butterflies in your tummy. This is part of the natural inborn reaction towards any threat. You are literally ready to fight or flee. What you decide to do in that split second will be up to you. When fear and anxiety linger without seemingly any end in sight and they start to interfere with day to day activities, this could indicate an anxiety disorder. There are five different types of anxiety. These are generalized anxiety, OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or phobias. Day to Day Anxiety •Difficulty sleeping, sadness or anxiety immediately after any traumatic event. •Ensuring that you live in a safe and hazard free environment and are healthy. •When there is a realistic fear of any dangerous situation, place or object. •Experiencing nerves or ‘butterflies in the stomach’ before a significant event such as a stage performance, business presentation or big test. •Self-consciousness or embarrassment in an awkward or uncomfortable social situation. •Worry about life situations such as romantic breakups, securing a job, and paying bills. Anxiety Disorders •Emotional numbing, and recurring flashbacks or nightmares that are related to any traumatic event which happened a few months or even years before. •Performing repetitive actions, for example excessive checking or cleaning, or arranging and touching things. •Avoidance or irrational fear of a situation, place or object that poses none or little danger. •Panic attacks that seem out of the blue, and being apprehensive about having the next one. •Fearing humiliation, embarrassment or being judged in a social situation, therefore avoiding them. •Unsubstantiated and constant worry that interferes with day to day life and causes undue distress. There are numerous things that one can do to lessen their anxiety to a level that is more manageable. Sometimes even thinking about the anxiety you are experiencing could make it even worse. The first step towards breaking this cycle of insecurity and fear is in facing your anxiety and thinking about how it actually makes you feel. When you can begin to take control, relax and lead a fuller life you will start feeling a whole lot better. You can try to control the symptoms through relaxation and breathing techniques and replacing negative and distressing thoughts with peaceful and positive ones. Complementary therapies could help you to sleep better and relax. Hypnotherapy, reflexology, massage, aromatherapy, meditation and yoga can be of help. Exercising also helps in using up excess hormones such as adrenaline produced in stressful situations, allowing your muscles the chance to relax. Getting lots of sleep and enjoying a healthier diet can only help in coping with anxiety. Even learning about self-defence could help a person feel more confident and safer. Talking to a family member or friend can help you to let go of what is on your mind and why you are anxious. You might find out that the people who are close to you have also encountered or experienced a similar kind of problem and might be able to help you talk about your anxieties. Author: David R. Behan David has over 12 years' experience in London Hypnotherapy treatments and is the Clinical Director of the Wellbeing Clinic at 10 Harley Street. Having helped over 14,500 clients throughout his career he is also well-known for treating TV presenters, Actors, Pop Stars, as well as TV celebrities in coping with anxiety. Please visit The London Wellbeing Clinic if you want to eliminate anxiety and take control of your life. Or Call David now, the initial consultation is FREE: 0207 467 8451
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