Do you often get a sense that something awful is going to happen?

The state of anxiety is an overwhelming feeling that something awful is going to happen. Sometimes, it is difficult to know what triggers it, which can be really unsettling in itself.

When we feel anxious, our brain takes us into a flight/fight/freeze zone to prepare us to face the danger. Whilst anxiety can be a healthy stress response, it is maladaptive when the danger is no longer there. Anxiety can happen to anyone and manifest in different forms: general anxiety disorder, panic attacks or phobias.

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) induces a constant state of high anxiety and worry. Life is exhausting for a GAD sufferer who experiences the world from a defence and worry mindset. ‘What if something happened to them? What if they had an accident? What if I have a serious health condition? etc… Therapy will help by developing a plan that will correct the maladaptive stress response to a more adequate one. It will also give you a space space to explore the origins of your anxiety.

Panic Attacks are punctual episodes of anxiety that can be very disruptive and exhausting. Therapy will help you understand how to identify triggers and manage panic attacks using CBT therapy.

Phobias are specific situations or objects that people carefully arrange to avoid in their life. Therapy will help you develop strategies to gradually expose yourself to your phobias.

Whatever the level of your anxiety, therapy can help manage your symptoms and improve your life experience and wellbeing. I have put together some 10 essential tips to help you manage your anxiety.