Causes of anxiety
Whether your anxiety is classed as General Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety/Low Self-Esteem, Panic, Phobias, OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder) or PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder) There isn’t just one cause of your anxiety. There are many things that may contribute to developing your particular type of anxiety:
- Genetics – Some people may be born with a tendency to experience anxiety and or possibly be more sensitive. However, when things are going well in their lives they cope really well. However, when something goes wrong then that tendency may come to the fore.
- Life Experience – This could be bad experiences such as abuse or bereavement, a break-up of some kind. It could also include big life changes such as having a baby, moving away, or becoming unemployed
- Drugs – The effects of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol on the body can make some people feel anxious. Illegal drugs can also have an effect
- Circumstances – It could be that you know which particular issue is causing you to feel anxious. When this problem is resolved, the anxiety may more easily go away.
Steps to overcome anxiety
- The first step would be to share your anxiety with someone close to you if possible.
- Followed by an appointment with your GP. They may well recommend anti-depressants/anti-anxiety tablets which may take a couple of weeks to work.
- On the other hand, they may suggest anti-depressants and/or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). Unfortunately, you may have to wait sometime to access this therapy or you may be invited to therapy over the phone, or even to group therapy.
What is CBT?
Your cognitions are your thought processes so Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is about being aware of how your thoughts influence your feelings/emotions and actions and accessing more balanced thoughts.
- Relaxation therapy may be offered, teaching you ways to de-stress and chill, like deep breathing/muscle relaxation.
- Talking therapies either in a group or individually where you share your inmost concerns and worries.
- If your anxiety is based on obsessive compulsive disorder you may be offered exposure and response prevention (ERP), encouraging you to experience your obsessions and compulsions in a more manageable way.
- Complementary therapies such as yoga, reflexology, mindfulness (meditation) and/or hypnotherapy.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a way of gently relaxing enabling your subconscious mind to access calmer and more positive ways of thinking. Therefore, tackling what may be your overly emotional response to whatever is causing your anxiety.
- Other strategies that may help:
Sleep therapy
Healthy eating
Exercising
Keeping a journal of your negative/positive thoughts
Listening to calming and uplifting music
Meeting up with family and friends.
We Can Help
Whether it is through Hypnotherapy, CBT, Mindfulness or any of or combination of the different therapies we practise, we can help you overcome anxiety. We always start with a 20 minute free initial consultation Call us on 01908 265410 or email lee.adley@yahoo.co.uk