Anxiety

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Anxiety has become a broad term that can mean different things to different people and the experience of anxiety can be different for each of us too. Some people may feel the classic symptoms of a racing heart, sweating and an intense feeling of fear but for others, it may feel like a general sense of unease or a vague sense that something isn't quite right.

Anxiety actually has a very useful function and is our body's in-built alarm system. It enables us to 'fight' if we're under attack or gives us the power to run away, 'flight' from something dangerous, so it's actually trying to protect us. 

Most of the time, however, we're not under attack or in a dangerous situation but our mind and our nervous system goes into overdrive and tells us that we are, so it sends us thoughts, feelings and physical sensations that can feel really intense and overwhelming. 

You might experience anxiety in some of the following ways:

Physical sensations - racing heart, rapid breathing, sweating, dizzyness, feeling shaky

Emotional changes

Racing thoughts

Overthinking

Procrastinating

Nervousness

Low self-esteem

Inner critic

Sleeplessness

Feeling on edge

Wanting to hide away

Shrinking your world 

You might stop doing or stop enjoying activities

You might feel low or depressed

I can help you explore and understand your anxiety by thinking about when it started and what was happening for you at that time. We'll think about the family you grew up in and how the people around you influenced how you see yourself and the world. We'll also think about the role anxiety plays in your life and whether you need to keep holding on to it or perhaps it's time to let it go by updating the story you tell yourself about yourself and the world you live in.

If you'd like to ask me a question or book a first session, click the 'Book a session' button on this page or go to the 'contact me' page.