Everyone gets a little nervous from time to time, it’s a normal reaction designed to motivate and focus our attention on our performance and once the event has passed the nervousness will also pass.

Anxiety is different; it’s a more persistent state of agitation and distress that affects both the body and mind. It can include symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, dry mouth, nausea, muscle tension, fear of losing control or even dying.

With body and mind in such a state it is easy to see why a person might start behaving in unusual ways that they hope will keep them away from further attacks of anxiety.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Do you:

	feel worried and anxious most of the time?
	find it difficult to calm yourself?
	feel more irritable than usual?
	find it hard to relax?
	feel on edge most of the time?
	feel drained easily?
	suffer from nights of broken sleep?

If you have said yes to some or all of the above symptoms you may be suffering from anxiety.  Anxiety goes beyond usual temporary nervousness about a job interview, or difficult conversation.  The type of anxiety that needs help is persistent and uncontrollable, if that’s how you are feeling, it’s time to put and end to it.

Anxiety can be extremely debilitating affecting people’s ability to do the things they want to do and can put a strain on relationships. It can be accompanied by a wide variety of physical symptoms including trembling, twitching, sweating, nausea, diarrhoea, aches and pains, irritable bowel, headaches and heart disease; as well as fear, phobia, depression, PTSD, substance abuse.

If you suspect you have anxiety, you probably have. Does it really make sense to suffer needlessly? You deserve to feel happier and free to enjoy your life, so take steps today to banish your jitters.

What Causes Anxiety?

It is estimated that one in three sufferers witnessed a parent or someone close who continued to suffer with anxiety and didn’t seek help and overcome their anxiety. Other factors include negative childhood experiences; (past or present) trauma; abuse; being undermined and persistent knocks to confidence. The triggers may be low level or even spaced out, but if they are allowed to continue, over time, they can significantly affect a person’s confidence and lead to severe and debilitating anxiety.

Help with anxiety: What can I do?

	Notice the times you are feeling anxious, is it a situation or a person? Do you need to have a difficult conversation or learn how to be in a situation, how can you learn these skills, and who do you know that can help you? Now ask for that help.
	Are you caring for yourself? Exercise, healthy food and good quality sleep are all useful for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. Yes, it really can be as simple as that.
	Listen to your inner chatter (does it support or punish you?) are your thoughts rational or exaggerated? Learn to recognise what’s real and true; and stick with that.
	Is your life hectic and out of balance? Can you reduce how much you are undertaking, or use time management to make your life more organised?
	Don’t allow your fear or need for secrecy stop you from seeking treatment for anxiety. You deserve to be happier and to free to do the things you need or long to do. Contact me on 0161 710 2468 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and make an appointment as soon as you feel ready to be free of your anxiety.