Anxious thinking and anxiety are related concepts, but they are not the same thing.
Anxious thinking refers to the patterns of thinking that people may experience when they are worried or stressed. This type of thinking often involves negative thoughts or beliefs about the future, such as "something terrible is going to happen," "I won't be able to cope," or "things will never get better." Anxious thinking can also involve over-analyzing situations, looking for potential threats or dangers, and engaging in rumination, which is when a person repeatedly thinks about the same negative thoughts or events.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to a range of emotional and physical experiences that people may have when they feel worried, fearful, or stressed. Anxiety can manifest in different ways, including through physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and sweating, as well as through emotional experiences like feelings of dread, nervousness, or panic. Anxiety can also cause people to avoid certain situations or activities, which can lead to further distress and interfere with daily life.
In summary, anxious thinking refers to the specific patterns of negative thinking that can occur in response to stress, while anxiety is a broader term that describes the range of emotional and physical experiences that can arise from feeling worried or stressed.
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, uncontrollable, and interferes with daily functioning, it can be diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
GAD is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about a range of life events and circumstances. The symptoms of GAD can include excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and fatigue. These symptoms must last for at least six months and be severe enough to impact daily functioning to meet the diagnostic criteria for GAD.
When anxiety becomes GAD, it can significantly impact a person's daily life and well-being. It can interfere with relationships, work, and other aspects of life. It can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, such as depression and substance abuse.
Treatment for GAD typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help individuals with GAD learn to manage their anxious thoughts and feelings and develop coping strategies for dealing with stress and uncertainty.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of GAD, it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. GAD is a treatable condition, and with the right support, individuals with GAD can lead fulfilling lives.
BUT what if you have taken the medication, had the counselling, completed the C.B.T workbook and STILL HAVE THE ANXIETY?
I'm a hypnotherapist and I'm not surprised.
Why? because none of these are getting to the root of the problem.
Medications prescribed fall into 3 categories.
There are several types of medications used to treat anxiety, and each works in a slightly different way. Some common medications used to treat anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
Benzo's promote relaxation but can be addictive and lose their effect over time. Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that works by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that reduces the activity of the nervous system. By increasing the activity of GABA, benzodiazepines can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. These medications work quickly and can be effective for short-term use, but they also have a high risk of dependence and addiction and are generally not recommended for long-term use.
Antidepressants take a while to work and often give loads of unpleasant side effects. They can also become less effective due to tolerance.
These medications work by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By balancing the levels of these neurotransmitters, antidepressants can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Antidepressants can take several weeks to start working and are often used for long-term treatment of anxiety.
Beta-blockers are aimed a reducing the physical symptoms. They have side effects and you should never stop taking them without the assistance of your doctor. They may even cause depression.
They treat anxiety, specifically the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, tremors, and sweating. Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which is a hormone that triggers the "fight or flight" response in the body. By reducing the physical symptoms of anxiety, beta-blockers can help individuals feel more calm and in control.
It's important to note that while medications can be effective in treating anxiety, they are not a cure and should be used in combination with therapy and other self-care techniques. It's also important to work closely with a qualified healthcare provider when taking medication for anxiety to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Anxiety is a complex reaction involving perception, cognition and the physical system. Medication just dulls reactivity, it doesn't help the underlying cause.
When you realise that anxiety is a learned response to certain situations it starts to make sense. Perception triggers physical reaction. Thinking causes bodily response. Thought patterns are the root cause, not the symptoms.
Thought patterns are learnt, usually during the first seven years. Scary situations add to the fear bank over time.
Which is why regression and inner child work conducted by hypnotherapists may be more effective than other approaches.
If you are still struggling then consider an alternative - hypnotherapy.
Disclaimer
This website/blog/article is provided for information only and is not intended to replace a consultation with your GP or other health care professional. The information on this website should not be considered as medical advice. If you have any doubts or concerns about your health, you should seek advice from a medical doctor. Results vary and depend on your participation and homework completion.
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