Blog 1 January 2023
Are you worried or anxious?
Worrying and anxiety are related but distinct concepts. Worrying refers to the act of thinking about potential negative outcomes or problems. Anxiety, on the other hand, is a feeling of unease, such as worry, fear, or apprehension, often about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Anxiety can be a general feeling of unease or a specific disorder such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) characterised by excessive and unrealistic worry about everyday events and activities. In summary, worrying is a thought, and anxiety is a feeling.
How do you know if you have anxiety?
There are several common symptoms of anxiety, including:
1. Constant worry or fear.
2. Difficulty concentrating.
3. Trouble sleeping.
4. Physical symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and muscle tension.
5. Difficulty controlling anxiety.
6. Avoiding situations that may cause anxiety.
What can you do if you are suffering from anxiety?
Below are some healthy coping mechanisms for anxiety that you can try for yourself:
1. Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins and other stress-reducing chemicals in the brain.
2. Deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm the
body and mind, especially during moments of anxiety.
3. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help
you process and release emotions and can also be a helpful way to identify
triggers for anxiety.
4. Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body, which can help reduce
physical tension and calm the mind.
5.
Mindfulness practices: Activities such as meditation, yoga,
and tai chi can help individuals become more present in the moment and better
able to manage anxiety.
If however you are experiencing anxiety symptoms on a regular basis and they are interfering with your daily life, it is important to speak with a health professional. They can help determine if you have anxiety and may discuss appropriate treatment.
Therapy can be a very effective treatment for anxiety.
As a person-centred counsellor, I would approach the treatment of anxiety by focusing on the individual's unique experiences and needs. I would aim to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where the individual feels accepted and understood.
In counselling sessions, I may use
techniques such as active listening and reflective questioning to help each
individual better understand their thoughts and feelings and to explore any
underlying issues that may be contributing to their anxiety.
The goal of person-centred counselling
for anxiety is to help the individual feel more self-aware and empowered to
make positive changes in their life, rather than simply focusing on reducing anxiety symptoms.
Comments