Anxiety is a word that describes how we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – quite often we worry about things that are about to happen, or which we perceive may happen in the future. 

Feeling anxious is normal!

Anxiety is actually a normal human response, it can be a protection mechanism where you feel threatened by an oncoming situation, such as giving a presentation (performance anxiety) or stressing about relationships. 

Feeling anxious puts you on alert.

We humans are built with inherent protection mechanisms to keep us safe.   When a threat is perceived our mind instructs the body to release hormones (Adrenaline and Cortisol) that make us more alert to danger, increase our blood flow and heart rate to help us deal with danger.  This process has been with us since the early caveman days when we either stood up to the threat or ran away, often referred to as the “Flight or Fight response”.   In the short term this allows us to better deal with the situation and afterwards the body goes into a relaxed mode to help us recover.

In modern day life those ancient mechanisms are still present and react in the same way to protect us in situations, whether facing a charging elephant where we all decide to run or presenting to large group of people where some of us would feel threatened, and others not.

Is it normal to be anxious most of the time?

No.  Normally people overcome their anxiety in everyday situations which are short term events, however when anxiety becomes more deeply embedded, affecting our daily lives over a longer period of time then it can make you ill.

Some typical signs of Anxiety include:

• Low energy – headaches – stomach upsets – insomnia
• Ache & pains from tense muscles
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Loss of libido or performance anxiety
• Nervousness – excess sweating – dry mouth
• Easily agitated and moody
• Insomnia and/or Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Unable to relax physically or mentally
• Visiting the toilet more frequently
• Avoiding others and/or social situations
• Experiencing panic attacks

What caused my anxiety?

There are many causes of anxiety, and it can be related to some physical causes such as:

• A chronic health condition
• Hormonal imbalance
• Adrenal fatigue
• Prescribed medications
• Recreational drug use or alcohol
• Sleep Apnoea

Note: – The above is not a definitive list of physical causes.  The first step you should take if you feel you have anxiety is to visit a GP or other health professional to rule out possible physical causes.

Other causes

Other causes of anxiety include:

• Past traumatic experiences, i.e. bullying, physical or verbal abuse
• Loss of a loved one, i.e. parent. partner, friend, family pet
• Worrying about what might happen in the future
• Feeling pressurised to achieve, i.e. exams, tests, physical performance
• Current or long term “life problems” such as financial issues, loss of job, relationship problems such as divorce or breakup.
• Exhaustion through overwork or stress

Unknown Causes

Sometimes it is not possible to directly link your anxiety to any particular cause, however with modern therapies such as BWRT and Hypnotherapy it is often possible to resolve anxiety without knowing the initial cause.