Many people experience anxiety at some point in their lives… but how do you know when it’s time to seek help?
The current situation with the COVID-19 outbreak has increased anxiety world-wide and increased awareness about the importance of control and worries about our own safety.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be caused by a number of situations and events, and affects everyone differently.
For some, anxiety might be largely felt as physical symptoms (such as nausea, tension, feelings of choking, heart palpitations), while for others it can cause panic attacks, feelings of detachment, and obsessive worry.
In most cases, people with anxiety feel a sense of threat, danger or dread that might get in the way of enjoying life, or affects how they function day-to-day.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, whether physical, psychological, or emotional, professional help from a psychologist, counsellor or therapist can help.
How Does Seeing a Psychologist or Counsellor Help?
There are different types of anxiety problems which can manifest in different ways.
Although the presentation may be different for say, health anxiety as compared to phobias, there are many similarities in how anxiety works. Some of the similarities underlying anxiety include:
- Negative and catastrophic thinking patterns
- Feelings of constant dread or fear that something bad is going to happen
- Physical symptoms like tension, choking feelings, and those described above
- A tendency to want to avoid, leave, or a need to worry and think about situations that might happen (“What if…” thinking).
Through working with a qualified psychologist, you will learn techniques from proven therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to reduce negative thoughts, overcome the fear and dread, manage physical symptoms and to let go of worry.
How Do Other People Deal With Anxiety?
People often try to deal with anxiety in different ways. Some successful, others less so…
Some people avoid situations that might lead to anxiety, and though it means they don’t have to face their anxious, the avoidance leads to reduced confidence, decreased happiness, and overall lowered quality of life.
Others might try to seek reassurance from constantly trying to find out information on the internet, reading books or newspapers, or repeatedly asking other people what they think.
Though some people do naturally deal with anxiety better than others, in many cases the people who struggle with anxiety find themselves stuck in a negative cycle from which an experienced psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist can help you escape.
When Should I Seek Help?
Though there is never a bad time to seek help with anxiety, the earlier you do so the more likely you are able to stop it before it has too big an impact on your life.
If you (or others) notice any of the following signs, it might be time to seek help:
- Disruption to daily activities (such as not enjoying things you used to do, or avoiding doing things)
- Increased safety or checking behaviours (such as checking doors, cleaning too much or not using things in case they become dirty)
- Reduced interest in people or activities
- Developing a fear of doing things you once considered normal
- Worrying excessively about things that might not happen
Let us Help You Deal with Anxiety
Our team of Counsellors and Psychologists in Newcastle are experienced and skilled in helping people deal with anxiety and other resulting problems that can occur as a consequence of anxiety (such as depression, sleep trouble, worry, or panic attacks).
Our services are fully equipped to offer our anxiety counselling and therapy services via Skype, Facetime and Zoom, and therefore can provide online therapy services in a safe and effective way, from the comfort of your own home.
If you feel that recent anxiety or pre-existing stresses are causing you problems, contact us today using the box below or call us on 07966645198.
Best wishes,
Dr Stuart Sadler
Lead Clinical Psychologist
