COULD IT BE NATURAL?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or danger, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. The symptoms of anxiety are the result of the body's "fight or flight" response, which is activated when the brain perceives a threat or danger.
PHYSICAL .....?
When the body's fight or flight response is activated, it triggers the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, which cause a number of physiological changes in the body. These changes include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, muscle tension, and sweating, among others.
These physical symptoms of anxiety are designed to help the body prepare for a threat or danger by increasing alertness, energy, and focus.
MENTAL .....?
However, in the case of chronic or excessive anxiety, these symptoms can become problematic and interfere with daily functioning.
In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety can also cause a range of emotional symptoms, such as feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness. These emotions can be overwhelming and can lead to further physical symptoms, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety.
Overall, the symptoms of anxiety are the result of the body's natural response to stress and danger. While these symptoms can be challenging to manage, there are many effective treatments and strategies available to help people cope with anxiety and improve their quality of life.
BUT WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY FEEL LIKE?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life. However, if anxiety becomes excessive, it can interfere with daily activities and cause significant distress.
Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
Physical symptoms:
Rapid heartbeat
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain or discomfort
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Feeling hot or cold
2. Emotional symptoms:
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Irritability
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Feeling tense or nervous
Fear or apprehension
Sense of impending doom or danger
3. Behavioral symptoms:
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Excessive worry or overthinking
Compulsive behaviors or rituals to reduce anxiety
It is important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
MEDICAL APPROACH
Most people experiencing these symptoms try a few things themselves first before going to a doctor. Drinking alcohol, using cannabis, taking sleeping pills or natural calming remedies, exercising more etc. But they don't stop the symptoms.
Seeing a doctor can get you a diagnosis. Sometimes that is a relief in itself because it gives a name to the distress. They usually also give you prescription medication. It can reduce symptoms and even save lives so it shouldn't be discounted. The problems are side effects and they don't tackle the reason for the anxiety.
RELAXATION APPROACH
Exercise, listening to soothing audios, long baths, holidays, taking time out.
Great at reducing some of the physical sensations but not usually able to resolve the source of the anxiety. Which may be cropping up for no apparent logical reason.
C.B.T APPROACH
This gets you thinking about your behaviour, the symptoms, becoming aware of thought patterns and noticing connections. The therapy can last for many months and takes a lot of commitment. The biggest problem is that is it a conscious process and that is not the location of the underlying behaviour pattern.
HYPNOTHERAPY TECHNIQUE APPROACH
These are different techniques that focus on deeper connections between behaviour and learned responses. Concentrating on altering these also changes the reactivity and severity of the responses. Change can be quicker because new neural pathways are formed and existing ones disengaged. Brain change is possible.
Here at TDW Hypnotherapy Harrogate we believe change is possible and anxiety can be tamed. The most important factor - how much change you want and will allow!