What is Anxiety and what are Panic Attacks?

Anxiety and Panic can at times hold a person captive in their own fears.  It is recognised as a common experience that men, women and children can encounter at any time in their lives.  Anxiety, can be linked to so many triggers.  Anxiety can be experienced as acute or chronic.  Anxiety that is acute, such as that experienced when leading up to a job interview or exam, or doing something we don't feel confident at etc, can be overwhelming and prevent us from fully engaging in what life has to offer.   For some, anxiety is a debilitating long term or chronic generalised problem that seems to be triggered by all manner of things.  People with generalised anxiety may typically worry and fear the worst habitually.  This feeling can seem inescapable, and the cycle of expectation of the anxiety can lead to more anxiety, thus never really being in a relaxed state.  Generalised or chronic anxiety sometimes can lead to problems with Depression, Insomnia, substance misuse, problems carrying out a job or life role and much more.

Acute and chronic Anxiety symptoms:

• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness

• Feeling, helpless, depressed, or low in mood

• Obsessive thinking or over-thinking

• Irritability, anger issues, stress

• Beliefs based on own thoughts and ideas, not facts

• Concentrating and carrying out a task properly

• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet

• Insomnia

• Shortness of breath

• Heart palpitations, and/or chest pain

• An inability to be still and calm

• Dry mouth

• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and so on

Panic attacks occur when our level of anxiety becomes so intense, that it creates a real sense of fear or danger leading to a full blown panic attack.  Even when we are not really in danger, during a panic attack our thoughts become so narrow and focused on how we're feeling and what we're thinking, that it feels impossible to think rationally.  Immediately physical symptoms set in the more we place emphasis on the trigger or stimulus, resulting in physiological (bodily) sensations that can feel very frightening.  Although the person is experiencing some or all of the symptoms below, the symptoms of the panic attack are generally not dangerous. 

Panic attack symptoms:                                              

• Racing heart rate

• Sensation of terror or pending doom

• Breathing difficulties

• Feeling like you're losing control

• Perspiration/sweaty palms

• Feeling urgent need to go to toilet

• Tightness, pain in chest/general muscle tension

• Feeling weak, faint or dizzy

How can I manage or put an end to anxiety and panic for good?

To effectively harness the full potential that our Therapy treatments can offer you, all that's required is a willingness and determination to succeed.  The answer really lies within you.  When you are ready to make  this wonderful and positive change to your life, finding the tools and steps to help you get there is the key.  

To find out more, please click on 'contact' to ask any questions or telephone me for a confidential chat.  Please Tel: 07900315690.