Anxiety

Counsellor's Diary | 22-Oct-2024

Anxiety, which is the body's natural response to stress or perceived danger, is a common human experience-almost everyone feels anxious from time to time. However, when these feelings become intense, or interfere with daily life, they may indicate an anxiety disorder. If you're struggling with anxiety, you're not alone, and support is available.

Anxiety affects everyone differently, but common symptoms include:

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling irritable, tense, or restless
• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Sweating, shaking, or trembling

What Causes Anxiety?

Many factors can contribute to anxiety, such as:

• Genetics: Anxiety often runs in families.
• Physical Activity: Certain brain circuits involved in regulating fear and emotions may function differently.
• Environmental factors: Stressful life events, trauma, or ongoing stress can contribute.
• Medical conditions or medications: Health issues or certain medications can produce anxiety-like symptoms.

Everyone's experience is unique, and sometimes anxiety develops without a clear reason.

Simple Tools to Manage Anxiety

While professional support is important, there are practical strategies you can try to help ease daily anxiety:

• Practice Deep Breathing: Try breathing in slowly for 4 counts and out for 4 counts. Repeat for several minutes to calm your body.
• Grounding Techniques: Focus on what you can see, hear, feel, and smell in the moment to bring your attention to the present.
• Physical Activity: Going for a brisk walk or engaging in exercise can use up nervous energy and boost your mood.
• Mindfulness or Meditation: Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath or the sensations in your body. Mindfulness apps or short guided meditations can help.
• Journaling: Write down your anxious thoughts, and then, if you like, dispose of the page-symbolically letting go of worries.
• Limit Stimulants: Try to reduce caffeine and alcohol, as these can worsen anxiety for some people.

When to Seek Help

Sometimes, home strategies aren't enough. If anxiety is making everyday life difficult, or stopping you from doing things you want to do, professional counselling can help. Therapy provides a safe space to understand your feelings and develop personalized tools for coping.

You don't have to face anxiety alone. If you or someone you care about is struggling with anxious thoughts or feelings, please reach out to our counsellors at Spring Listening Room who are trained to provide support. Our therapists offer compassionate, confidential help tailored to your needs. Let's work together towards greater calm, confidence, and wellbeing.