Feeling anxious? I’m not surprised
We all have ups and downs and sometimes these moments create anxiety. It is incredibly rare that the whole world experiences a set of circumstances that creates mass confusion, fear and uncertainty. The COVID-19 or Corona Virus pandemic has created a very strange environment, one that very few of us have experienced before. The whole world has experienced a "down" and so it is not surprising that people who have never experienced anxiety before are feeling anxious.
What to do if you are feeling anxious?
The first thing to do is to acknowledge that anxiety is a normal reaction. Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress or danger. Anxiety is normal, your body’s automatic fight-or-flight response is triggered when you feel threatened, pressured, or you are facing a difficult situation. In moderation, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. It can help you to stay alert and focused. But when anxiety becomes constant or interferes with your life that might be a good time to get professional help and address it.
What are the signs/symptoms of anxiety?
Primarily you may experience excessive and irrational fear and worry. However you may also be experiencing some of the following;
- Feelings of apprehension or dread
- Watching for signs of danger
- Anticipating the worst
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling tense and jumpy
- Irritability
- Feeling like your mind’s gone blank
You may even have some of the following physical symptoms;
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination or diarrhoea
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension or twitches
- Shaking or trembling
- Insomnia
Who can help me?
There are a couple of different ways you can get help depending on your symptoms.
You can call you GP and talk to them about your physical symptoms. Just to check there isn't an underlying medical condition. Your GP may refer you on for therapy with a counsellor or psychologist. You can also seek out a therapist on your own. If you want to talk to a professional about the anxiety symptoms you are experiencing that are more on the emotional/mood side of things then you can make an appointment with a counsellor. If you are not quite at the point where you feel ready to reach out to a therapist, discuss what is happening for you with a trusted friend or family member.
There is a lot of help available and you don't have to suffer through anxiety on your own. Anxiety is a common problem that people often seek help for and it responds very well to treatment. So just ask.