As MHFA England states in their manual “Everybody experiences anxiety at some time. Anxiety is a natural response, useful in helping us to avoid dangerous situations and motivating us to solve everyday problems.” But what happens when that anxiety becomes more long-lasting, more severe or hinders our relationships or our day to day activities?
At the point where you feel like it may be damaging your enjoyment of life, it may be time to consider seeking some help. Here are some of the general symptoms one might experience with anxiety. These range from everything you might be able to feel happening, like shortness of breath, to things that might not be so obvious, like avoidance behaviours.
Physical
- Heart – Racing heart, pain in the chest, palpitationsChest /
- Breath – Hyperventilation or shortness of breath
- Brain – Dizziness, headaches, sweating, tingling and numbness
- Gut / Tummy – Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth and choking
- Muscles – Shaking, trembling, muscular aches and pains, especially in the lower back or the neck
Psychological
- Inability to stop worrying, excessive or unrealistic fear over past or future events
- Mind racing or becoming forgetful
- Inability to concentrate
- Struggling with choice or having difficulty making decisions
- Confusion
- Irritability, impatience, frustration
- Restlessness, nervousness
- Tiredness, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, trouble falling asleep
- Repetitive thoughts
Behavioural
- Avoiding situations
- Repetitive compulsive behaviour, seeking constant reassurance
- Struggling in social situations
- Planning exit strategies
There’s a lot right? So it is important to realise that with this list, comes infinite combinations that could make up an individual’s experience.
As well as things considered to be treatments or therapies, there’s so much value in your general day to day activities. For instance, sleep, eating well, drinking enough water, connecting with your friends, exercise etc! If you didn’t see our Body Positive Challenge we did in June, then track it down on our instagram or check out our previous blog posts. The challenge was there to give you lots of ideas to help promote better well-being with 5 key areas to focus on.
- Connect
- Be active
- Keep learning
- Give to others
- Be mindful
If you think you need to discuss something, do think about talking with a trusted person. Your friends and family can be a great ‘go-to’ but keep in mind that not everyone understands what you’re going through, simply out of inexperience. This is your reminder that Spin City Newbury has a trained Mental Health First Aider who is happy to listen non-judgementally and help signpost you in the right direction to any resources you may need.