Generalised anxiety disorder causes both psychological and physical symptoms. The severity of the symptoms experienced will differ from person to person.
Psychological symptoms may be:
- a sense of dread
- feeling 'on edge'
- feeling restless inability to relax
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling irritable
- racing thoughts
- intrusive thoughts about worrying scenarios
Physical symptoms may be:
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- feeling lethargic
- heart palpitations
- dry mouth
- muscle aches
- shortness of breath
- tension headaches
- digestive problems
- nausea
- difficulty sleeping/insomnia.
Not knowing your trigger for anxiety can intensify the feeling and may cause you to feel as if there is no way to stop feeling anxious.
At Castle Counselling Services we can provide you with one to one counselling in a safe and secure environment, which will provide you with the freedom to be able to explore your anxiety with a counselling professional. This collaborative will be an integrative approach and may include:
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) this form of therapeutic intervention will assist you understanding how your thoughts, feelings and behaviour affect each other. Having this clarity may assist you to question negative and anxious thoughts, giving you the courage to do things you may ordinarily avoid as they make you anxious.
Applied relaxation techniques may also be implemented and can include the following:
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Mindfulness Body Scan
- Colour Breathing
- General breathing exercises
Mindfulness can be particularly beneficial for anxiety, and we are both trained in basic mindfulness techniques to assist you in slowing down and learning to live in the present moment.
