Anxiety Counselling & Psychotherapy
Does anxiety limit your life? Learn to understand the reasons for your anxiety and how to alleviate it to live your life in the way you would choose…
Alleviating Anxiety
Overcome the anxiety that limits your life...
If you are suffering with anxiety, you will have a feeling of worry or dread which is likely to impact both your physical and mental health, your feelings and your behaviour.
Anxiety is the result of our body’s reaction to a perceived threat. Where once in evolutionary terms, this was helpful, it is no longer appropriate.
Counselling will help you to understand the root of your anxiety and understand your body’s reaction to the perceived threat, developing coping mechanisms and freeing you from that fear. You can read more about this on my blog post about how counselling can help with stress and anxiety.
If you are struggling with anxiety, why not talk to me as a first step? Together we can explore the effects it has on you, help you to understand the reasons behind it and look for some effective coping strategies. Contact me today for a free, confidential and no-obligation telephone consultation and we can start the process.
Please call Louise on 07973 287424
email: louise@refresh-counselling.co.uk
or click the button below to submit an enquiry.
Anxiety Therapy FAQs
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Symptoms can range from those that are physical, emotional or behavioural. Physical symptoms can include; rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, fatigue and more. Emotional symptoms can include; feeling overwhelmed, excessive fear or worry, difficulty concentrating, loss of confidence and self-esteem. Behavioural symptoms might include; hypervigilance, panic attacks, avoiding certain situations, thinking the worst will happen, insomnia and racing thoughts. The symptoms above can vary in intensity and duration.
How is anxiety diagnosed?
Anxiety can be diagnosed by your GP who will also want to rule out any physical problems. They will assess your symptoms and what effect they are having on your daily life, as well as looking at how long they have been going on.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety can be caused by a combination of factors including: chemical imbalances, brain changes, genetics and environmental factors.
Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and/or imbalances in hormones can play a role in anxiety.
Sometimes, due to chronic illness, substance misuse, or other mental health problems the brain can change the way it reacts to certain triggers and manages anxiety.
Genetics can also play a role. You are at an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder if a close relative also suffers in this way.
Environmental factors such as severe or chronic stress can alter the balance of the neurotransmitters mentioned earlier, leading to anxiety. Furthermore, if you experience a traumatic event you are at risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Can anxiety be treated without medication?
There are many things that can help alleviate anxiety. Counselling and/or psychotherapy can be beneficial in understanding your anxiety, it’s symptoms, it’s triggers and the impact on your life as well as finding coping strategies. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can work well for some people. Some lifestyle changes can provide relief from anxiety, for example; exercise, having a healthy diet and managing sleep patterns.
How can I manage my anxiety?
The first step to managing your anxiety is to understand your symptoms and to realise that it is the anxiety that is causing them. The second step in managing anxiety is to develop some coping strategies, whether they be breathing exercises or avoiding certain triggers. Talking to a therapist can help you to understand your anxiety and develop some coping strategies before going on to explore the root cause of your anxiety.
If you are struggling with anxiety, why not talk to me as a first step? Together we can explore the effects it has on you, help you to understand the reasons behind it and look for some effective coping strategies. Contact me today for a free, confidential and no-obligation telephone consultation and we can start the process.
Please call Louise on 07973 287424
email: louise@refresh-counselling.co.uk
or click the button below to submit an enquiry.