We are always striving for perfection. It's in our human nature. Since
anyone can remember people have sought to be the best they can possibly be,
learn new things and explore new and different places. The world today is
moving at such a fast pace is there any wonder that levels of anxiety appear
to soar in a society where very young children take exams and experience
stress at a time in their lives that can appear to be unhealthy.
We are introduced to anxiety and stress at a much younger age. Although
children aren't forced to work in a factory, forced to sweep chimneys or
go down coal mines, they are quick to experience pressure and expectation
at their very young age.
New anxiety begins to emerge as we enter the life of the rat race- Starting
a family, having enough money and finding a well paid job. People are living
in cities which leave them anonymous, living in isolation away from traditional
support networks. This is what the reality of modern life is all about
and you have to learn to deal with it.
That feeling of apprehension and dread is anxiety and is a physically destabilising
and mentally paralysing experience. The physical effects of experiencing
stress and anxiety can be very intense. The symptoms include feelings of
nausea, accelerated heart rate, mood swings and sweaty palms. Anxiety sufferers
feel the world is a frightening place.
Some people say 'It's only anxiety' may come across as nor being a major
experience. If you suffer from these forms of extreme physical sensations
or if you do have any of these concerns, see your doctor.
Your behaviour is influenced greatly by how you think, your thoughts are what
make you. A vicious circle of anxiety creates behaviour and thought. Fixing
your way of thinking means fixing anxiety. Facing your fear is one of the most
effective methods of dispelling the fear of anxiety.
Increase levels of anxiety will happen by telling yourself that something is
horrible, awful or terrible. It's important that you regularly remind yourself
that there are very few things that are really horrible. For those events that
are particularly painful, try renaming them as being unfortunate or unpleasant.
Remember, the way in which you think, will affect the way you feel about
your situation and the world around you.
To try and conquer your anxiety, resist the temptation to resolve each problem
you believe causes it. Doubt is always going to be around in some form or other
and think about how you think not what you think. Overcoming these worrying
thoughts should be being at peace with the thoughts that come into your mind.
In our society there are many common anxieties that exist. There are panic
attacks where an intense surge of anxiety where there is no actual danger.
They appear to come straight out of the blue to an individual and are
accompanied by extreme physical sensations. Once the individual becomes fearful
of these physical sensations, the panic element sets in creating a vicious circle.
Sufferers have to enter situations they purposely avoid and resist by
putting those fears to the back of their mind in or to conquer them.
Be aware that the sensations you experience are not life threatening.
Keep reminding yourself that there is nothing you should be afraid of
and try and face your fear.
Another common anxiety that exists on many levels is agoraphobia.
Some people get panicky about being around new people or new surroundings
are slightly agoraphobic. For others the suffering can be more
debilitating.The World Health Organisation defines intense agoraphobia
as a group of phobias and irrational fears which are related to being in
crowds, public places, leaving home, entering shops or travelling alone
on planes, buses or trains.
Agoraphobia can often lead to a change in behaviour known as avoidance.
Deliberately avoiding daily situations that may cause anxiety such as
only ordering groceries on the internet rather than visiting the supermarket and
only leaving the house with a partner or friend.
You should consider cognitive behavioural therapy to treat agoraphobia.
Recently, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been quite successful
in treating people who suffer from agoraphobia. CBT is a type of psychotherapy
based on the principle that your feelings are dependent on how you think
about situations. CBT teaches you how to challenge negative thoughts such
as thinking that a panic attack could happen in a certain environment.
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