+27 (0)82 856 6284
SEND US AN EMAILUnderstanding the nature of anxiety is essential for recognizing
its impact on daily life.
Anxiety is the body's natural response to perceived danger during stressful situations. The symptoms experienced are typical physiological stress responses. Brief episodes of anxiety may occur when delivering a public speech, presenting to clients, or taking a test for the first time. However, persistent anxiety that does not subside requires intervention to restore normal functioning.
Is there a way of recognising my anxiety?
Normally, common signs of anxiety include:
- Excessive worry
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
How do I know I am having an anxiety attack?
Each individual's experience is different, but common signs of an anxiety attack include:
Having a sudden sense of impending danger that peaks within minutes and includes:
- Racing or pounding heart
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Nausea
- A sense of losing control or “going crazy”
- Fear of dying
What factors contribute to my experience of anxiety?
Anxiety can develop due to multiple factors, including environmental stressors, genetic predisposition, or neurochemical changes in the brain. If you are aware of a family member who has experienced anxiety, this may indicate a hereditary component, similar to other physical health conditions.
What strategies can I use to manage anxiety?
Incorporating relaxation techniques into daily routines can make anxiety more manageable. For severe anxiety, a combination of prescription medication and counselling is often effective. I can assist you in determining the most appropriate treatment based on your diagnosis, emotional state, and personal preferences.
What are the costs of untreated anxiety?
- Depression
- The abuse of toxic substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs
- Living in isolation
- Sleeplessness
- Digestive illnesses
Common Myths Regarding the Management of Anxiety
- Anxiety is often mistakenly not considered a legitimate mental health condition.
- Shyness and social anxiety disorder are frequently conflated, although they represent distinct experiences.
- It is a misconception that anxiety typically resolves without intervention.
- A common myth is that individuals diagnosed with anxiety should avoid all stressful situations.
- It is often incorrectly assumed that anxiety disorders are always readily observable.
The diagnosis of anxiety disorders typically requires multiple assessments, including a physical examination, a mental health evaluation, and standardized psychological questionnaires.
Generally, diagnosing anxiety does not only involve a single test but multiple tests such as a physical exam, mental health evaluation and a psychological questionnaire.
FAQ
What are anxiety disorders?
Types of anxiety disorders include:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (persistent, excessive worry about multiple areas of life)
- Panic Disorder (recurrent panic attacks and fear of having more)
- Social Anxiety Disorder (intense fear of social or performance situations)
- Specific Phobias (fear of particular objects or situations)
- Agoraphobia (fear of situations where escape or help may feel difficult)
- Separation Anxiety Disorder (excessive fear of being apart from attachment figures)
These disorders differ in focus but share a core feature of heightened and persistent fear or anxiety.
