Anxiety is a very common problem which affects everybody at some time in their lives.
It is usually described as a sense of worry, fearfulness or a feeling that something dreadful may happen. (Anticipatory Anxiety).
Anxiety for most of us is a normal reaction that helps us prepare for and deal with all sorts of demanding or risky situations.
Anxiety is a natural emotion that serves a survival function.
A certain amount of anxiety helps drive us forward to achieve our goals – for example to study for an examination, or to speak in public. However, when prolonged or unrelieved, anxiety can be harmful and disabling.
Excessive anxiety can develop from,
- Lack of sleep.
- Nutritional problems.
- Neurochemical imbalancesÂ
- Failure to develop adequate copings skills.
- Cognitive distortions
- .Low self-esteem/a need for external validation.
Recovery involves
- Improving health behaviours. (Diet, Exercise, Sleep. Relaxation/ Meditation,).
- Identifying and building coping strategies.
- Addressing cognitive distortions.
- Developing a healthy, supportive relationship with self and others. (Counselling, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).