Anxiety can appear in several forms.
-
Generalized anxiety:
A general worry and belief that most things will go wrong and that unfortunate or dangerous events will occur. It is a basic mood of nervousness and worry without being able to really put your finger on the root of your worries. Physical symptoms can include muscle tension, palpitations, upset stomach and sweating. If you can see yourself in some of the symptoms, you can book an appointment below.
Stress can cause chest tightness – read more about it here.
-
Panic attack:
The anxiety is experienced acutely and physically. It can occur suddenly and be experienced violently. The anxiety often goes hand in hand with 'tunnel vision', dizziness, nausea, sweating, shaking and palpitations. You often become afraid of fainting or dying. Often you don't even know what triggers the panic attack.
-
Performance anxiety and social anxiety:
The fear is directed towards other people's opinions and interpretations of oneself, with a belief that others think badly of, for example, what one says, how one looks, one's performance, one's status, or the like. This fear is characterized by a feeling of inferiority to others and results in one avoiding encounters with others where one may be judged or feel judged by others.
-
Phobia:
A constant and intense fear of something specific that you spend a lot of energy worrying about and trying to avoid. This could be insects, reptiles, flying, elevators, large crowds, going to the dentist, etc.
It is crucial that the therapist conducts a thorough examination of the history, of the daily circumstances, and of current demands, desires, and frustrations. Often, anxiety can be rooted in something that pressures or frustrates us without us even realizing it. During these examinations, many experience that something they thought was a minor problem actually affects them to a greater extent than first assumed. When these elements are unfolded and worked with, many experience that the anxiety gradually lets go.
3 steps to better understand your anxiety
- Write down the specific situations where the anxiety is most prominent. For example, 'When I visit my parents' or 'When I have to give a presentation at work'.
- Examine whether there is a theme, a requirement, a mood, etc. that recurs across the situations. For example, 'When I talk to or think about my mother' or 'When I feel like I have to perform' or 'When I have to manage many things at the same time'.
- Be curious about the feelings and thoughts you come up with, and ask yourself with care and self-compassion about what is at stake. For example, 'What feelings actually arise in the relationship with mother?' or 'What do I think others see when I stand in front of a crowd?' or 'What do I fear will happen if I lose control?'‘
If this is a problem you are struggling with and want help moving forward, please contact us via email or phone, and we will find out how you can best be helped.
