Anxiety
- Anxiety is an emotional response to a real or perceived threat to one's long term wellbeing. It can be experienced at times as inner turmoil, dread, or panic.
- Financial security and personal safety are essential needs that allow us to relax and experience peace and tranquility.
- When security or safety is threatened anxiety will often develop. Losing control or the threat of losing control of access to basic needs produces nervousness and fear.
- Normal life stress can produce mild anxiety. Chronic or intense stress, however, that produces moderate to severe anxiety often triggers both the release of adrenaline and cortisol. The purpose of adrenaline is to increase blood flow, while cortisol functions by diverting energy for improved brain function. Both are part of the fight or flight response designed for improving chances of survival. However, neither fight nor flight are much use for managing most modern day stressors.
- Adrenaline not used up by physical activity, such as aerobic exercise, can compound problems by creating unsettling somatic experiences (physical symptoms) such as a racing heart beat or chest pain that may result in more anxiety or a panic attack.
- Long term release of cortisol can impair immune functioning, increase blood pressure, and cause bone loss to name a few. Some individuals experience a nausea with the release of these hormones with an accompanied sense of impending doom.
- Anxiety can also be accompanied by muscular tension, restlessness, fatigue, and problems with concentration.
- Counselling with cognitive behavioral therapy is very helpful for you if you are experiencing anxiety. Immersion into meaningful occupation is another management technique for calming, which empowers you and gives control over your anxiety. Mindfulness and yoga are also useful for bringing awareness back to the body and recognition that when the mind is quieted the body can feel at greater relaxation.
- Call 204-299-7334 today and discover strategies that will free you from anxiety!