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Writer's pictureDr Zoe Cross

What is anxiety?



Anxiety can range from a low-level feeling of unease right the way through to severe panic attacks and an inability to cope with everyday life. A reasonable amount of anxiety is part of most people’s range of emotions and can be helpful as it is linked to our primeval fight or flight conditioning. However, it’s important to recognise when intervention is needed – usually when anxiety has a significant impact on the way you live your life.

 

Some types of anxiety include:

 

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Different to usual spells of worry or concerns that you can easily explain, GAD is a constant feeling of dread that can last for months and even years. Its symptoms include sleep issues, headaches and other pains, difficulty focusing, irritability and tiredness. People with GAD might also be on edge and feel wound up most of the time.

 

Panic Disorder

Really very frightening, people who suffer panic attacks experience sudden, intense fear, a pounding heart, chest pains, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing and a feeling that they are no longer in control. They can also be accompanied by temporary blackouts. Panic disorder is the term given for when panic attacks are frequent and unexpected.

 

Social Anxiety Disorder

This is a kind of anxiety that you may feel as a deep-rooted fear of being watched or judged by others. You will have an innate worry about doing or saying the wrong thing and drawing any unnecessary attention to yourself. Social Anxiety Disorder can have similar symptoms to GAD and panic disorder but can also include difficulty making eye contact, hot sweats and severe blushing. This can affect any age or time of life but is particularly prevalent among teenagers. Included within this kind of disorder is an avoidance of social situations, especially ones where there is individual focus of any nature.

 

Phobias

Anxiety can also be prompted by phobias of any kind. You may feel intense dread at the thought of flying or leaving the house or even being separated from people you are close to. Phobias manifest themselves in all guises and should always be taken seriously.

 

If you are suffering with anxiety there are a few things you can do. The first is to understand that anxiety itself is often a barrier to seeking the help you need. The people who can help – your GP or myself as a qualified psychologist, for example, know this and will be able to provide a safe place for you to start to find the support you need.

 

The first step – a phone call or email – will always be the hardest part. If you feel unable to do this, maybe you have a friend or trusted colleague who could help set up the first meeting.

 

Once you are in touch with a professional, you’ll be in safe hands. I will work with you to identify your fears (even if you currently have no idea what they are). We will spend some time understanding what triggers your feelings and then put some coping strategies in place. You might want to explore the idea of medication with your GP but we’d focus on talking therapy first. If you feel more comfortable, we can conduct some or all meetings online – whatever feels best for you.

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is often useful. It’s a way of noting your symptoms and responses, then replacing some of the established ways in which you respond with different, more controlled and empowering approaches. I can explain this if it’s appropriate for you.

 

The important thing is that taking the first steps in getting help will bring huge relief and your journey to feeling more comfortable will have begun. Living with constant anxiety is debilitating and difficult – I can help you navigate through so that your sense of fun, positivity and hope returns.

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