What is Anxiety?

As humans it is natural for us to keep ourselves safe and do our best to avoid threats and danger. However, when we are constantly struck with intense feelings of fear (sometimes for no reason) life can become a daily struggle. The emotionally draining effort to remain hypervigilent around the “what if?” factors of life can make us feel frightened, isolated, vulnerable, unsafe and exhausted.

Anxiety is a vicious cycle (see diagram). It is fear of the future, what may or may not happen and how we will cope with it IF it does. Our thoughts become distorted and our cognitive processes become irrational and unrealistic which can impact not only our mood and behaviours but also our bodies. They cause us unnecessary fear and dread which we usually relieve through safety behaviours such as avoidance and seeking reassurance however, the relief is temporary until we start the cycle again.

REMEMBER: YOU ARE IN CONTROL and by acknowledging, recognising and working alongside your anxiety – there are healthy tools available to help you cope when needed.

 

Common Types of Anxiety:                   

GENERAL ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD)

OBSSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

PANIC DISORDER

SOCIAL ANXIETY

HEALTH ANXIETY

 

PLEASE REMEMBER *

IF YOU ARE CONCERNED OR EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A  SAFETY PLAN IN PLACE AND SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY.

PLEASE ALSO CONTACT YOUR GP.

PROFESSIONAL 24/7 SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE AT:

• LIFELINE – 0808 808 8000

• SAMARITANS – 116 123