Anxiety is the presentation of intense worry or stress to the detriment of day-to-day functioning. A bit of stress in life is to be expected and usually we can calm ourselves down during the period of stress. However, when that stress doesn’t lower and we are continuously worrying, thinking of worst case scenarios and trying to control the uncontrollable then we may have anxiety. To be diagnosed with anxiety the worry must have been ocurring for more days than not for six months.
What does Anxiety feel like?
Anxiety is a continuous worry and often involves having spiralling thoughts that focus on negative or catestrophic scenarios. These thoughts feel out of control and often take over your life, leading in worst case scenarios to panic, an avoidance of leaving the house, an avoidance of socialising, over-protective behaviours, etc. Anxiety is very tiring and can lead to feelings of exhaustion, but sleep doesn’t offer relief as anxiety also affects sleep patterns and can cause nightmares. Finally, anxiety can cause feelings of nausea and lead to reduced eating (which then contributes to the exhaustion as our body isn’t getting the nutrients and energy it needs).
Physically Anxiety can cause tension, difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, migraines, pain, restlessness.
How can I be diagnosed with Anxiety?
Anxiety actually covers a range of diagnoses: Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder (with or without agoraphobia), Obsessive Compuslive Disorder and Phobias. To be diagnosed with an Anxiety disorder you will need to contact your GP. I do not diagnose clients, though I am availale to work with the symptoms of anxiety and your feelings about being diagnosed with Anxiety.
Should I take medication for Anxiety?
This is a question that only you can answer, but that we can discuss together to help you find that answer. Medication for Anxiety can be very helpful for clients to be able to return to their previous life. However, medication can also come with a long list of side effects, can have little effect and can come with worries about dependency. Medication has been very helpful for some clients when used in combination with talking therapies.