We Can Help With… Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion and response that everyone experiences in certain life situations. When we are faced with a potentially dangerous situation, or intense periods of stress, anxiety is our body’s way of telling us that something is not right. However, anxiety may become a significant problem if it starts to overwhelm us and interfere with your ability to do things in your everyday life. Left untreated, anxiety can also lead to depression and an inability to function day to day. Not only can it affect the person with the anxiety, but it can also start to affect relationships with family and friends.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety is a general term used to describe experiences characterised by nervousness, fear, apprehension, and excessive or unhelpful worrying. The experience of anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms, such as:
- Trembling
- Heart palpitations
- Upset stomach, including nausea/diarrhoea
- Flushing/sweating
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Restlessness
- Being easily startled
- Becoming tired
- Trouble sleeping
- Feelings of confusion and helplessness
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety can present in different ways for different people. Below are some of the most common ways that anxiety presents in people – these are listed as types of anxiety disorders due to their unique cluster of symptoms, however an individual may experience these types of symptoms without being diagnosed with the disorder.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Agoraphobia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Treatment of Anxiety
Anxiety and anxiety disorders can be treated, and there are a number of effective treatments available that psychologists can draw on. Education about anxiety is also an important treatment step – talking about your experience and symptoms of anxiety, and dispelling the fears and myths that are commonly held about anxiety, will assist in moving forward to recovery.
At Henderson Psychology, our psychologists can work with you and help you to overcome anxiety, manage your symptoms, and lead a happy and fulfilling life. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our registered psychologists.