Anxiety is the “Nuts and Bolts of life”. Stress, Anger, Guilt and other emotions have purpose. They are linked to one’s response. Ever watch a cat or a dog and notice what they use anger, inquisitiveness, or retreat for? What does a cat do when it becomes afraid? If your cat is like mine it takes off rather quickly! Anxiety and stress becomes a problem when it interferes with one’s daily functioning. For example, generalized anxiety disorder is when a person is overly anxious and worried for more than half the days in a two week period. When being overly anxious or stressed for more than half the time continues for a period of 6 months the anxiety could begin to negatively affect one’s ability to function. These feelings are difficult to control and include at least three of these symptoms: restlessness, easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and disturbed sleep. The person has worry and anxiety far out of proportion to the actual impact of the feared event. The above is summarized from the DSM-IV, 1994.
Stress and anxiety are a part of everyday life, but if they are prolonged and unrelieved, this can cause a person to become distressed and could cause physical manifestations. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, for example, is related to stress! A woman who wakes up at night several times a week for no apparent reason, sweating and gasping for breath, might be suffering from anxiety. So too might a man who becomes irritable, anxious, and uptight during social situations or at work. He is forgetful, has indigestion, headaches, and lack of energy. Both these people suffer from poorly managed anxiety and stress. Of course, it is always essential to consult your health care provider to make sure these are not symptoms of any illness or disease.
Relieving your anxiety helps create a better and more enjoyable life for you. It can also promote better relationships with those around you. Here are a few ways to help relieve your anxiety: Think positively and seek out positive people. Be flexible. Make a daily to-do list, then set manageable goals. Get adequate sleep and eat a well-balanced diet. Exercise moderately. Ask for help with tasks when you need it. Do away with sources of stress in your daily life such as loud music and excess clutter. Try these ideas and see if you feel better. If not, don’t be afraid to seek professional help for your anxiety. After all, it’s your life to enjoy. Make the most of every day!
Therapy is also a great way to learn coping skills to deal with stress better. Often times, in today’s culture we are not really taught how to relax. When my dog becomes tense I notice he takes in a deep breath and exhales. So do I! When a person is stressed often they hold their breath and their breathing becomes shallow. One easy stress reliever I use is: Inhale slowly to the count of 4, hold your breath to the count of 4, then exhale to the count of 8. Do 10 repetitions 5 times a day and see if you feel any relief.
EMDR and clinical hypnotherapy are very effective in treating most anxiety based issues