Suffering from anxiety

The manifestations of anxiety may range from mild apprehension to fully-fledged panic attacks and phobias.  Panic attacks can often be associated with agoraphobia.  Many sufferers of agoraphobia can become prisoners in their own homes.  Phobia's involve fear being directed towards one specific object, activity or situation, which is then avoided. For example fear of spiders, flying, enclosed spaces and heights.  Many people suffer silently and secretly for years. 

Physical symptoms

Palpitations, chest pains, faintness, being flushed, sweating, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, choking, difficulties in breathing, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, vertigo, tremors, restlessness, panic attacks, sense of fear.

Psychological symptoms

Causes

There is no single explanation for the occurrence of anxiety disorders.  Several factors may need to be considered.  Early upbringing, inner conflicts, anxiety as a learned response, physical factors, self-talk, coping behaviour and social determinants.  Often the best explanation for the causes of anxiety will more than likely take all these factors into account.   

How counselling can help

Coping with anxiety can be a lonely and isolating experience. Counselling can help you develop your own coping mechanisms in order to deal with anxiety and strategies to overcome negative thinking patterns.  Part of my work in dealing with anxiety is exploring any possible underlying issues causing or maintaining the symptoms.