Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Worries, fears and anxieties are common to us all.  When we are anxious, we feel wound up, nervous, worried and tense.  These feelings can range from feeling a bit uneasy to a continuing feeling of fear and impending panic.  But for some people, these feelings of anxiety are more than just passing worries, they are constant and so severe that they affect their daily life.  When this happens they may be experiencing an anxiety disorder.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety symptoms affect us in many ways, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Nervousness, restlessness, feeling tense
• Feeling in danger, panic, dread
• Excessive worrying
• Loss of motivation
• Loss of self confidence
• Sleeping difficulties
• Inability to concentrate
• Aching muscles, tense neck and shoulders
• Headaches
• Trembling, shakiness, sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Breathing difficulties

Related conditions

• Social anxiety disorder - Here people are fearful that in social situations they will either be extremely anxious or act in a way to embarrass themselves in front of others.  Many if not all social situations are avoided or cause intense discomfort.
• Health anxiety - This involves excessive worry about physical health and the fear that they may have a serious illness, often when there is no reason to think so.  
• Generalised anxiety disorder - This involves excessive anxiety and worry about things like health, money, family or work.  It is often difficult to tie the worry down to anything specific and it seems difficult to control.

If you feel you may be experiencing an anxiety disorder, then be reassured that you are not alone, in fact anxiety is one of the most common reasons that people seek therapy.  

Our exceptional psychologists have a wealth of clinical experience in treating anxiety, and are able to deliver a wide range of established therapeutic interventions to help you to overcome your anxiety and return to a healthy, fulfilling and productive life.