Anxiety

Imagine being able to control all those worrisome thoughts and getting a hold of your biggest fears. Wouldn’t it mean the world for you?

You see, life is unfair, and though this is by far the most understood aspect of our humanity, some of us are dealt bad cards. Not everyone gets this, but you may be living in a life crippled with fear and worry because no matter how hard you try to figure things out, think positive thoughts, be happy, or try to stop worrying as worrying only worsens, and there seems to be nothing that could help you control things.  Every day is a struggle, and though you have a few good days, the anxiety seems to hold up the joker card to your face way too often. Well, if this sounds like something you can relate to, you may be in luck. Why? Because together we can work through your anxiety and use it in a positive way to be of benefit.  I’ll start with the basics to give you an idea of what life could be for you.

How will counselling help treat my anxiety? 

I can teach you strategies to help you to learn to manage your anxiety, that, unlike anxiety treatments, my focus is to help you with your struggle with anxiety improve by treating the causes that promote anxiety, rather than the symptoms. While treating anxiety through counselling, it’s possible to pinpoint the cause of your worries and negative thoughts, and you will learn not just how to relax but also how to look at and confront situations in ways that aren’t as threatening. You also develop new ways of coping with anxiety, even as you develop new ways of solving problems. In a nutshell, treating anxiety through counselling counselling takes a different approach to treating anxiety by giving you an armour of effective tools that allow you to better overcome anxiety. 

What are anxiety disorders?

An anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that can be defined as a condition that leaves one with extreme feelings of fear, worry and anxiety; but though everyone experiences these feelings, they tend to be stronger, even crippling in persons with different anxiety disorders, to the extent that they’d interfere with the individual’s daily activities.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

These are the 10 main types of anxiety disorders recognized today. These include:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder 
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviour 
3. Panic disorders
4. Phobia-related anxiety 
5. Specific phobias anxiety disorder
6. Social anxiety disorder
7. Agoraphobia 
8. Separation anxiety disorder 
9. Selective mutism
10. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms differ depending on the type of anxiety one suffers from. The most common symptoms of the disorder include:

• Feelings of restlessness and being ‘on edge.’
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Uncontrolled feelings of worry
• Elevated levels of irritability 
• Sleep difficulties, either falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Feeling weak or tired. 
• Trembling
• Sweating
• Overall body weakness and fatigue 
• Increased heartbeat 
• Hyperventilation 

What causes an anxiety attack?

The main causes and triggers of anxiety attacks are as follows:

• Medical issues 

Health issues linked with anxiety attacks include diabetes, heart disease, drug abuse, thyroid problems, respiratory problems like Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, alcohol withdrawal or withdrawal from anti-anxiety medications, rare tumors, as well as chronic illnesses/pain.  Some of the common risk factors for anxiety include:

1. Traumas 
2. Stress from illness 
3. Personality traits and a natural disposition to anxiety and other mental health issues.
4. Genetics
5. Other mental disorders 
6. Alcohol/drugs

Are there tests that diagnose anxiety?

While there is no one standard test for diagnosing anxiety, mental health professionals may test for anxiety by conducting a physical exam looking for signs of anxiety that could be linked to underlying medical conditions or medications. These tests are carried out by medical professionals if there is a suspected underlying cause.  In addition to these tests, the mental health professional could also ask detailed questions about your medical history, and the symptoms presented to determine the diagnosis. As a counsellor, psychological questionnaires may be used if need be to determine your level of anxiety.

What are some Anxiety management strategies?

• Psychotherapy 
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure Therapy 
• Exercise 
• Biofeedback 
• Relaxation Techniques like meditation 
• Hypnosis

What are the medications for anxiety?

• Antidepressants 
• Buspirone
• Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications)
• Beta-blockers 

Getting help from professionals is the first step you need to take towards the management of anxiety. Mental health professionals are trained and experienced, and they’ll not only ensure that you have the correct diagnosis but also offer the best tools to help you cope and live a happier life. You don’t want to live the rest of your life in crippling fear and negative thoughts, and I can help you overcome these challenges. It will not happen overnight, but you will see changes after a while and after being on the right treatment regimen for you.