Anxiety
Anxiety is nothing more than a feeling of apprehension and uncertainty. Believe it or not some anxiety is normal and healthy.
However, chronic and continuous worry or fear is not.
Unlike rather mild, short-lived anxiety experienced during a stressful event, such as speaking in public, attending an interview or being on a first date, prolonged anxiety disorders can get much worse if they are left untreated, resulting in a significant long-term negative impact on relationships, self-esteem as well as mental and physical health.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders often develop during early adulthood. Although the majority of people have mild or no impairment, anxiety disorders can seriously restrict an individual’s education, work, recreation and social activities as a result of avoiding situations that precipitate the symptoms.
Anxiety disorders include:
- panic disorder
- generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- social phobia
- specific phobias
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
….For more information on the symptoms of anxiety disorders click HERE…
KEY POINT: Each anxiety disorder has different symptoms, but all the symptoms involve excessive, unreasonable fear, worry and apprehension.
Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
A person with excessive anxiety should seek treatment by first having a medical examination. An exam will rule out other possible physical causes of anxiety. Once good physical health is confirmed, and then counselling can help.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for many people with anxiety. With cognitive therapy, you can learn to recognize and change faulty or maladaptive thinking patterns.
Cognitive therapy is not about “positive thinking” in the sense you must always think happy thoughts. It’s a way to gain control over racing, repetitive thoughts that often feed or trigger anxiety.
You need to be a motivated person. Cognitive-behavioural therapy involves hard work. You will feel uncomfortable at times. You will have to do work outside of the therapy session. Consistency and persistence will bring about the changes you desire.