Anxiety

Anxiety is a part of human emotion. The benefit of this emotion is that it can help a person to be alert or cautious when danger is lurking around. From an insight perspective, it can indicate that something within a person's life or relationship may need attention.

On the flip side, anxiety can be a negative factor when it interferes with a person's daily life. One can experience the negative side of anxiety with panic attacks, trembling, cold sweat, rapid heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, and nausea. Behavioural change can also be part of the negative side effect of anxiety, where a person may avoid a situation, withdraw from friends and family, unable to work, or avoid certain places, like crowded areas.

Past events or childhood experiences can contribute to the negative side of anxiety, such as being neglected, physical or emotional abuse (including being bullied or being socially excluded), losing a parent or having overly protective parents. Current life situations such as being pressured to get good grades in school or meeting high expectations at work, and social expectations can also lead to high levels of anxiety.

Is there help for anxiety? Yes, there is! Recovery from high levels of anxiety is possible with the right care and support. It can start with counselling where the counsellor journeys with the client to understand the root cause of the anxiety. Applying cognitive behavioral therapy helps to target thought and behaviour patterns associated with anxiety. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing patients to anxiety-provoking circumstances, and applying anxiety management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation. Additionally, licensed medical doctors or specialists may recommend medication e.g. benzodiazepines and antidepressants.