Anxiety

Anxiety can become an issue if you feel you are always on high alert all the time as it can affect your body and your mental health.

Prolonged anxiety can be cause by life events for example: work, trauma, finances or relationship issues. Though, for some people the reasons for feeling anxious is unknown to the conscious mind. 

Helpful Information on what happens to the mind and body. 

Brain 

The amygdala (the brain’s alarm located in the limbic system which is the emotional part of the brain) is activated during dangerous, stressful situations or perceived threats. The fight-flight-freeze response is the body’s natural reaction to danger. It is a type of stress response that puts a person on high alert to help them react to perceived threats like a near miss with a vehicle.  

Body
In a stressful situation the brain sends a signal to the body which releases adrenaline into the blood. This response will increase a person’s heart rate and allow oxygen to be released to help the person respond quickly to the danger. When the situation is over the anxious feelings disappear. 

Some symptoms associated with anxiety  

. Avoiding social situations

. It can cloud your judgment

. Make situations feel worse than they actually are

. Unable to sleep or sleeping too much

. Irritable, impatient and angry

. Feeling tense, nervous or unable to relax 

. Irregular heartbeat 

. Feeling panicky, sick or needing the toilet more often

. Hyperventilation (breathing too heavily or struggling to breath). Feeling lightheaded

. Choking sensations

Anxiety can be challenging to live with; there is help available for anyone suffering with anxiety so they do not have to go through it alone. With the right treatment they can move towards recovery. 

Treatment  

Talking therapy can help explore a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour, find ways to cope with difficult situations and provide techniques to help you manage and even alleviate your symptoms.  In addition to therapy GP intervention is also an option as medication may also be needed depending on the type and severity of the anxiety.