What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a completely normal bodily response to threatening or dangerous situations. These responses — also known as “fight-or-flight” (and freeze) — are innate and important mechanisms that protect us. However, traumatic experiences and adverse circumstances can lead to disproportionate anxiety states. These interfere with daily life: for example, when fears prevent you from fulfilling wishes, rob you of sleep, or become a permanent state.
Symptoms of Anxiety
The symptoms of anxiety can vary from person to person. Common signs include palpitations, tightness in the chest, trembling, or a feeling of being cut off from yourself. These symptoms can appear suddenly and can be overwhelming.
Causes of Anxiety
The causes of pathological anxiety are varied and range from stress and genetic factors to traumatic experiences. Some people have a heightened sensitivity that may have developed through frequent exposure to threatening situations, or through an innate high sensitivity.
Treatment of Anxiety
Since anxiety is a physical response, the body should be included in therapy. There are many ways to treat anxiety. I work primarily with Somatic Experiencing, a body-oriented approach that involves both the mind and the immediate physical response.
Life Without Anxiety
It is neither possible nor healthy to live entirely without anxiety, but it is possible to learn when you do not need to be afraid. Your nervous system can shift through many small changes. In this way you can learn to move through life with more calm and confidence.
Related Topics
Anxiety often occurs alongside other complaints. Many people also report dissociation, depression or psychosomatic symptoms. Sometimes an underlying trauma or PTSD has become lodged in the nervous system as anxiety.
First Steps
If you recognise yourself in what you have read, I invite you to a free initial call. In approximately 15 minutes on the phone we can look together at whether working together makes sense. Information about fees can be found on the fees page. Get in touch →
