Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia (source: Beyond Blue). It is more than just feeling stressed or a little worried and can affect anyone at any stage of their life.

The important thing to remember is that everyone feels anxious from time to time… think about it… opening a bill, running late for school, attending a job interview, going on a first date, finding a spider in the house… anything that involves a lack of control, any expectation, self-doubt, a fear of the unknown, or performance stress can bring on the nerves and worry. Anxiety is just a natural response to stress!

Generally, and for most people, once those events are over or are less of a ‘threat’ the anxiety usually subsides, whereas for longer term and more persistent anxiety it’s doesn’t.

Some of the more common signs of anxiety include;

A racing heart · Feeling nauseous · Excessive sweating · Heavy breathing · Difficulties sleeping · Deep, heavy butterflies in the stomach Headaches and migraines · Muscle tension (particularly in the neck and shoulder area) · Persistent sadness · Feelings of impending ‘doom’· Hot and cold flushes · Tightening of the chest · Restlessness · Obsessive thinking · Avoidance (of people, places or things) 

When anxious feelings persist, come on for no apparent reason or start to affect your everyday life it may be a sign of some form of anxiety condition. In which case, you may like to get some support on board.

The good news is that there are many treatments available for anxiety so you don’t need to suffer in silence. Treatments include talk-based therapy, natural remedies and of course, medication under the guidance of a GP. Remember that the sooner help is engaged, the sooner you will start to feel better!

Here at She Counselling we are passionate about helping women feel empowered to use their voice to better their own lives and the lives of those they love and care for. It is our mission to ensure that all women who bravely seek support leave with a greater sense of personal strength, resilience and hope as they embark on their journey to a calmer, more satisfying life.

If you would like some support with anxiety, or need some guidance on supporting someone living with anxiety, feel free to book a session. Alternatively, if you have any questions about how therapy at She can help you, please get in touch.

You may also like to visit the article library for some tips, trips and tools related to living with anxiety or grab some amazing anxiety self-help books from the bookshop  (all the books are read before being recommended).

And, before you go, don’t forget to check out the FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY where you can download and print some cute (and really useful!) resources to help you along your mental health journey.