Anxiety can be a very distressing experience that can significantly disrupt one’s quality of life. Often the triggers can be complex and for some harder to pinpoint which can perpetuate the distress.
If you find yourself constantly worrying about the future, stressing about the opinions of others, feeling overwhelmed about making wrong decisions, and/or stricken with panic or fear, you might be dealing with anxiety. It can be paralyzing and prevent you from acting on important decisions. It can mean you spend a lot of time focusing on negative thoughts and contemplating worst-case scenarios. It can also impact your relationships and might make you more emotionally sensitive and reactionary towards others. Some of the symptoms of anxiety can include physical experiences such as: muscle tension, shaking, shortness of breath, sweating, queasy stomach, a racing heart and even panic attacks.
If anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day life and relationships, then accessing a psychologist through Defining Solutions could be helpful for you.
It can support you to learn ways of regulating your anxiety, investigate the root causes, and successfully cope with the things/events/thoughts that make you anxious.
Some commonly used strategies include:
- learning supportive and soothing ways to talk to yourself
- shifting from rumination and worry to acceptance and letting go
- relaxation techniques such as breathing and meditation
- self-regulation techniques (including experiential strategies) that can calm your nervous system
Potential resources:
Psychology Today
Helpguide.org – Anxiety Attacks & Disorders