Dealing with Anxiety

Fear and anxiety are not the same though they might feel very similar. Fear is our natural reaction to a current threat, while anxiety is our reaction to the idea of a future threat (whether real or perceived).

Panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive or compulsive behaviours are related issues that can cause much distress. High levels of anxiety and any of these issues alone or in combination, can interfere with normal day to day functioning. 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF ANXIETY / PHOBIAS / PANIC / OBSESSIONS / COMPULSIONS?  

Anxiety, phobias, panic, obsessions and compulsions are caused by a combination of environmental, psychological and other factors: 

• persistent stressors (real or perceived) 
• substance abuse 

• thinking styles (negative or suspicious) 
• a belief that you cannot control areas of your life 

A trigger or triggers will usually be present prior to the symptoms being experienced.  

HOW CAN ANXIETY / PHOBIAS / PANIC / OBSESSIONS / COMPULSIONS BE ADDRESSED IN COUNSELLING? 

Counselling can help you learn how to manage the symptoms of anxiety, phobias, panic, and obsessive and compulsive behaviours. Through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Guided Mastery Therapy and/or Exposure Therapy you can: 

• learn how to predict anxiety-inducing situations and lessen their impact 
• develop healthy coping mechanisms to be able to handle the feelings and symptoms 
• take as much control as possible / change how you think about control and your ability to cope 
• learn how to manage uncertainty 
• establish good relationships for ongoing support 
• learn relaxation and mindfulness techniques  

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY / PHOBIAS / PANIC / OBSSESSIONS / COMPULSIONS?  

Anxiety: 

• worrying / rumination 
• heart palpitations / irregular heart beat / chest pains / increased breathing rate / sweating 

• numbness in hands or feet / limbs 
• loss of appetite / sleep disturbances 
• vomiting / aches and pains / headaches / stomach pain 
• feeling worthless / bad / helpless 
• difficulty concentrating 

• exhaustion / weakness 

Phobias: 

• excessive or debilitating fear of objects / places ( eg open or confined spaces, social interactions, heights, fear of spiders etc) 
• avoidance of the object or situation that is feared 

Panic: 

• overwhelming fear 
• feeling as though you are losing control or even dying 
• increased heart rate 
• difficulty breathing 
• excessive perspiration 

• feeling faint / dizzy 

Obsessions and compulsions: 

• intrusive / unwanted / obsessive thoughts 
• compulsive need to perform actions or rituals 
• mutism (being unable to speak) 

WHEN TO SEEK HELP FROM YOUR DOCTOR

Always see your GP if you are suffering from anxiety and have not had a recent medical check-up, as sometimes the root cause of anxiety can be a medical issue (asthma, thyroid, anaemia, constipation, cardiac issues etc). Please also see your doctor if you experience: 

• any of the physical symptoms listed above 
• mutism, hallucinations, delusions, or a feeling of ‘depersonalization’ (feeling detached from your body) 
• panic attacks for the first time or more than once a week 

• difficulty leaving your home

or if you are receiving medication for depression or any other mental illness, or you would like information on, or to change or stop medication for any mental health issue.