We all can recall an event where we have felt anxious, whether it was during a test or an interview. These nerves are normal, and, in some cases, they can be useful in helping us perform better. But, when you are constantly experiencing uncontrollable worry and fear, and persistently having thoughts that interfere with your daily life and routine- this is clinical anxiety. Quite often, anxiety can also be a symptom of other presentations, including panic disorders, phobias, social anxiety, GAD, OCD, and PTSD.
An example of the daily thoughts of someone experiencing
anxiety…
Coping with Anxiety
Generally, the most effective intervention to relieving anxiety in the long-term is psychological therapy and mindfulness.
Psychological therapy helps to find the root of what is making you anxious by reflecting on the underlying thoughts and concerns you have.
Through understanding your beliefs, a therapist can help to restructure any irrational assumptions you hold. In turn, these can be replaced with rational concepts and beliefs. At the same time, you can be taught crucial skills to integrate into your daily life to help you cope and manage any triggers. By restructuring your thoughts, and helping you obtain indispensable behaviours, you will in turn be able to manage your anxiety symptoms. While restructuring unhelpful thoughts and learning coping skills can help massively with symptom reduction, it is also equally important to understand why you experience anxiety the way you do, where it all comes from and how you can overcome it, to help you implement long lasting change.