Overcome Your Anxiety

Anxiety is a physiological and psychological state characterised by cognitive, somatic, emotional, and behavioral components. These components combine to create an unpleasant feeling that is typically associated with uneasiness, fear, or worry.

Anxiety is a generalised mood state that occurs without an identifiable triggering stimulus. As such, it is distinguished from fear, which occurs in the presence of an external threat. Additionally, fear is related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of threats that are perceived to be uncontrollable or unavoidable.

Understanding Anxiety

It’s normal to worry and feel tense or scared when under pressure or facing a stressful situation. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to danger, an automatic alarm that goes off when we feel threatened.

Although it may be unpleasant, anxiety can help us stay alert and focused, spur us to action, and motivate us to solve problems. However, when anxiety becomes constant or excessive, it may fall under the classification of an anxiety disorder.

Some people who experience extreme anxiety may also experience panic attacks, which usually come without warning and although the fear is generally irrational, the perception of danger is very real. A person experiencing a panic attack will often feel as if he or she is about to die or pass out. Panic attacks may at times be confused with heart attacks.

Well, you may simply be anxious because of an overly demanding schedule, lack of exercise or sleep, pressure at home or work, or even from too much coffee. The bottom line is that if your lifestyle is unhealthy and stressful, you’re likely to feel anxious.

Symptoms

Physical effects

• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Stomach aches
• Headaches
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

External signs

• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Pupillary dilation

Emotional Treatment

• Feelings of apprehension or dread
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling tense and jumpy
• Anticipating the worst
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Watching for signs of danger

Treatment

People with anxiety symptoms often also suffer from depression at some point. Anxiety and depression are believed to stem from the same biological or emotional vulnerability. It is important to address any signs of persistent anxiety.

Contact Raffles Counselling Centre at 63112330 for:

• Life style review
• Anxiety level assessment
• Understand your source of anxiety
• Developmental needs meeting strategy (DNMS) Therapy

The assessment will enable you to understand your level of anxiety and keep anxiety at bay.