We all deal with stress and anxiety in one form or another. In fact challenge stress can be a healthy motivator, many of us perform better when under a level of pressure. However when stress and anxiety build up to a level where it is negatively impacting our lives or impairing our capacity to function we need to find a way to address this.
According to the NHS 1 in 20 people are affected by General Anxiety Disorder. And we all can build up anxiety and stress about particular events in our lives; exams, job interviews, public speaking, a medical test or procedure.
Stress and anxiety can manifest differently in each person, but some of the physical symptoms of excessive or prolonged stress can be:
- Panic attacks & nausea
- Feeling fatigued or excessively tired
- Headaches, migraines, or dizziness
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
- A racing heartbeat or high blood pressure
- Sweating, tremors, dry mouth
- Stomach-churning, stomach pain, or heart burn
- Rashes, itches, hives
- Forgetfulness or ‘brain fog’
- Frequent colds and infections.
- Insomnia
Common psychological signs can be:
- Feeling frequently agitated
- Negatively forecasting the future or catastrophising
- Irritability, anger, mood swings
- An irrational feeling of dread
- Suffering with fears and phobias
- Ruminating thinking
- Feeling nervous or anxious all the time
- Feeling lonely, worthless, or feelings of detachment
Understanding how the brain works and what we can do to deal with stress and anxiety can be hugely beneficial. This is the first part of the Solution Focused approach and forms a part of the Initial Consultation. From there we look at what changes you can introduce into your life that are realistsic and achievable for you. It is all about providing you with the unique tools that work individually for you to cope with and reduce your stress and anxiety, not just now but for the rest of your life.