Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear that is a normal response to a range of different situations, it's our internal alarm system alerting us to potential danger and threat. Anxiety comes from our "fight or flight" response and this happens when our mind tells our body it's in danger. So, we prepare to run (flight) or stand and "fight". Everyone experiences anxiety but for most fear and anxiety play a background role in their lives. However, it can affect your mental health when you feel anxious every day and you believe that feeling anxious is the same as being in danger. This anxiety can cause extreme distress and disruption to everyday life and relationships with others. Anxiety is like the smoke alarm keeps going off when there is no fire! There is no danger or threat but our mind and body are reacting as if there were.
Counselling can help to support you to explore what you're going through and why you feel how you do. There are different types of anxiety and it is important that we explore your anxiety and what it is about for you so we can better understand the potential triggers and the best treatment plan.
Different types of anxiety disorders include:
Individuals suffering from any of the above will all be suffering from similar anxiety symptoms, yet they will be going through very different experiences that need different types of treatment. I can help you find ways to overcome your anxiety that work for you and your type of anxiety.
This may involve exploring what triggers your anxiety, exploring negative thought patterns and feelings, paying attention to your body and what is happening and exploring ways to switch the fight or flight response off. Anxiety can become a fear of feeling anxious so it's important to work on building your tolerance to anxiety not just trying to change your thoughts to change your feelings but actually becoming more able to be with your anxiety and not fear it. It is the fear of feeling anxious that keeps anxiety going!
Taking that first step and asking for help can be hard, it is also the most important first step you will make in your recovery from anxiety and back to yourself. I will work with you without judgement and with empathy at a pace that suits you to support you.