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Let's Talk About Anxiety
Anxiety is a common emotional state which we have likely all felt, and will feel, at some point in our lives. We might describe anxiety as a sense of uneasiness, dread, nervousness, or fearfulness, and it can be a normal and natural emotional response to thoughts, experiences, memories, and/or feelings.
People tend to find anxiety uncomfortable, because when you think about how it makes you feel, it isn't pleasant. Not only are we experiencing extreme states of worry and concern, but that can also come with a host of physical sensations too. No two people will experience anxiety exactly the same, but common physical sensations people note are: shaking, sweating, dizziness, sickness, stomach aches and upset, chest tightness, a lump in the throat sensation, and feelings of breathlessness.
Again, it isn't a pleasant feeling but it can be very normal.
So When Is Anxiety An Issue?
Whilst experiencing anxiety is a natural part of the human experience, it can become an area of concern for young people, and adults alike, when it starts to feel all consuming. We could say that is becomes problematic when anxiety is running the show.
Anxiety can become a problem when we notice these things:
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Excessive worrying and fear; particularly about things that are unlikely to happen or that previously were not cause for concern
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An inability to relax, becoming restless, irritable, or angry
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Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and scattered
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Anticipating the worst possible outcomes and feeling unable to rationalise them
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Developing a need for constant reassurance which may help briefly, but does not help in the longer term
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Difficulty being alone and needing others to be around at all times
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Difficulty being in social situations and starting to avoid people, places, and activities, that used to be meaningful
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Difficulty sleeping: falling or staying asleep due to worries
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Spending a lot of time in bed, or another 'safe space'
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Frequently searching up symptoms, thoughts, and feelings, online
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Persistent physical symptoms which medical professionals have tested for, and suspect anxiety as a cause