Understanding Anxiety

Introduction
Anxiety is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, from their 20s to older age. It manifests as persistent worry, fear, or nervousness, which can impact daily life and overall well-being.
 
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress and can be beneficial in some situations. Good stress is called ‘Eustress’.  However, when anxiety becomes excessive and uncontrollable, it can interfere with daily activities and reduce the quality of life. This is called Distress.  Common symptoms of unhealthy anxiety include constant worrying, feeling restless or on edge, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate or muscle tension.  You are likely to find yourself worrying about 'what if?'.
 
Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life. People with GAD often anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about health, money, family, work, or other issues. This condition can be debilitating but is treatable with the right approach.
 
Building Rapport and Assessment
The first step to address anxiety, is to establish a therapeutic alliance, or rapport with our clients, by creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. During the initial sessions, we conduct a thorough assessment to gather information about your history, symptoms, triggers, and the impact of anxiety on their daily life. Discussing confidentiality and setting clear boundaries are crucial to building trust.
 
Psychoeducation
Providing psychoeducation about anxiety is a fundamental part of our approach. We explain the symptoms, causes, and common triggers of anxiety, helping clients understand the physiological and psychological aspects of their condition. This knowledge empowers clients and reduces the stigma associated with anxiety.

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