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Anxiety

Do We Need to Suffer?.... NO!

POSTED 10TH FEBRUARY 2021

Anxiety is a huge problem in society today spreading though the population like wildfire, yet it doesn’t need to be that way. No one likes being anxious, it’s a horrible feeling that can shape our lives and, in some cases, send us spinning out of control. In an attempt to keep anxiety at bay and to be able to cope and function on a daily basis we tend avoid the things that make us feel anxious in the first place. This method of coping may help initially, but in the end anxiety always seems to be there controlling our life and how we live it.

Don’t despair, with the correct tools and the right training anyone can learn to manage their worst anxieties and ultimately remove them from their life. Before we look at what can be done about it, let's take a look at what anxiety really is.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a completely natural human emotion and is the body's way of responding to danger. At the outset of an anxiety attack, chemicals are released from the adrenal gland into the body preparing us for fight or flight. It is really important for those people who suffer with Anxiety to realise that this chemical reaction within our bodies happens irrespective if the danger is real, or is just perceived. It is this "perceived" danger as that creates most cases of anxiety in society today.

Anxiety is the Body's Alarm and Survival Mechanism

It is said that primitive man would probably not have survived very long without this life-saving and completely natural response. Actually, it works so well, that on occasions we can think we are in danger, so our system says run or fight and the response has been triggered when it is not really needed.

We can all feel anxious on occasions, in fact a certain amount of anxiety can be a positive thing in that it helps us to be more alert and focused. For example, just prior to an exam a few exam nerves can have a positive effect, motivating us and helping us to focus our thoughts on the job in hand. However, too much anxiety, anxiety kicking in at the wrong time, or constantly being anxious, is unhealthy and may be detrimental to our health, lives and relationships.

Anxiety affects different people in different ways and whilst a particular issue may cause stress and anxiety to one person, that same issue may be simply brushed off by another person. Knowing this is in itself supportive because we can see that anxiety doesn’t necessarily have to affect us.

Understanding the causes, then learning coping mechanisms to be able to eliminate anxiety from your life, is just a matter of training, and it can often be done in just a few weeks.

In recent months COVID19, a modern and ongoing phenomenon, has created new anxieties in many of us or has exacerbated pre-existing issues for those already experiencing anxiety.

Whether your anxiety is related to COVID19 or other issues, if it is impacting negatively on your personal wellbeing, it can be addressed and eliminated. By working in partnership with a qualified counsellor/therapist, everyone has the ability to eradicate chronic or controlling anxieties from their lives altogether and I have seen this happen successfully time and time again, dramatically improving quality of life for each person.

I will be continuing this conversation so please "like or share" this post to see the next instalment. Also, if you would like help or further information about tackling anxiety or any other issue that may be bothering you, please feel free to call me for an informal chat.

Alan is a BACP accredited therapist with over twenty years’ experience in counselling and psychotherapy and is here to help. To request a consultation, or ask a question either Facebook message, telephone or e-mail the following;

Mob: 07841 574 357
Email: alan@alanneeldcounselling.com

Some of the more common issues Alan works with are:-

Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Bereavement
Relationship Issues

Alan also works with many other issues such as self harm, grief and bereavement, anger issues, abuse and sexual problems.

Please contact Alan if you have any questions or to book an appointment.