Understanding Anxiety – Signs and Symptoms
Anxiety is rather like a bully which feeds on you, so in effect the more we worry the bigger the worry will get. And just like someone who is being bullied in the normal sense of the word it is important to learn strategies that help you keep the bully in check.
The important thing to remember is that anxiety can be overcome and it does not have to run or ruin your life.
Remember too that anxiety can affect you both physically and emotionally.
When should I seek medical help for anxiety?
Some people naturally describe themselves as a bit or a worrier or a ‘worry wart’. Sometimes they’ll start their worry cycle even before the situation has actually arisen. Typically they are the ‘half empty cup type of person’ who is prone to think of all the negative outcomes in any given situation.
The problem is that sometimes this negative thinking can be a huge energy drain, stopping you enjoying much of the other positive aspects of your life.
There is nothing wrong in thinking things through and indeed spending time considering what might go wrong, especially if planning to do something for the first time. Pre-planning helps us manage the risk of trying something new. It only becomes more problematic when it becomes part of a regular pattern that doesn’t include any positives. Remaining stuck in a negative thinking rut can stop people enjoying in the moment their everyday experience. This is when they should begin to think about seeking some help.
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Taking responsibility for your own wellbeing
- Spend time working to identify the thinking and or behavioural patterns that support your anxiety or stress habit
- Make sure you drink enough water each day
- Avoid alcohol since it is a depressant
- Avoid or reduce caffeine
- Cut down on the amount of dietary sugars and highly processed foods you eat. Instead opt for more fruit and vegetables and slow-release carbohydrates.
- Consider whether you might have some form of food intolerance, e.g you don’t have to be gluten allergic to suffer the symptoms of gluten intolerance. Remember the symptoms may affect more than your gut.
- Where possible engage in some form of regular exercise – a 10 minute walk twice a day can do much to lift your mood
- Make time to engage in social interactions and groups, balance intimacy with others with solitude
- Review your sleep hygiene habits, in other words what is your bedtime routine?
- Have an early night