Project Description
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body and mind’s natural reaction to threat or danger. Commonly referred to as the ‘Fight or Flight’ response, the body releases hormones such as adrenaline, which in turn results in a number of physiological reactions occurring in the body. These emotions help us to survive by ensuring that we are alert and responsive to the danger. The problems arise when people’s response (anxiety) is out of proportion to the actual danger of the situation, or that it is generated when there is no danger present.
Causes of Anxiety?
- Bereavement or loss
- Life changes or experiences
- Work or personal pressures
Relationship pressures
- Trauma
- Stress or other situational factors
Sometimes a person may experience acute physical anxiety attacks in what is commonly called panic attacks.
Panic attacks involve sudden feelings of terror that strike without warning. These episodes can occur at any time, even during sleep. People experiencing a panic attack may believe they are having a heart attack or they are dying or going crazy. The fear and terror that a person experiences during a panic attack are not in proportion to the true situation and may be unrelated to what is happening around them. Most people with panic attacks experience several of the following symptoms:
Symptoms of Anxiety?
“Racing” heart
- Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
- Sense of terror, or impending doom or death
- Feeling sweaty or having chills
Chest pains
Breathing difficulties
How can Counselling help?
Counselling has been found to be very effective in the treatment of anxiety. It can help to identify unhelpful beliefs and thought patterns and can, by providing more positive and helpful ways of thinking and new skills, reduce the harmful symptoms of anxiety.
ANNE BUTLER – COUNSELLOR
OPENING HOURS
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 9:30 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 9:30 – 15:00 |
