Knowing When to Ask a Professional About Anxiety

Knowing When to Ask a Professional About Anxiety

When is anxiety getting in the way?

Many of us experience anxiety, sometimes without realising it. If you find yourself constantly worrying, feeling snappy or irritable, feeling on edge, or having trouble concentrating, it might be time to take a closer look. Let’s talk about managing anxiety at home and recognising when it might be time to seek professional help.

Anxiety can sneak up on you, presenting itself as persistent worry, nervousness, or even irritability. While everyone feels anxious occasionally, it becomes a problem when it lingers for more than six months and starts interfering with your work and personal life. Anxiety can come in different forms, such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Specific Phobias, and even Separation Anxiety Disorder, which is most common in children.

Managing Anxiety at Home

If anxiety is starting to interfere with your daily life, there are several things you can try at home to help manage it:

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Taking some time to meditate or practice mindfulness can help calm your mind. It’s all about focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries.

Exercise Regularly: Getting your body moving can really help. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Even a short walk can make a difference.

Maintain a Healthy Diet: What you eat can affect how you feel. Try to eat balanced meals to keep your energy and mood stable.

Stay Connected: Chatting with friends or family can provide support and help you feel less isolated. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need to talk.

Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These can make anxiety worse, so try to cut back if you can. Stick to water, herbal teas, and other non-caffeinated drinks.

Get Enough Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for managing stress and anxiety. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Recognising When to Seek Professional Support

Sometimes, self-help techniques aren’t enough. Here are some signs it might be time to seek professional help:

• Your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, work, or relationships.
• You’re experiencing panic attacks.
• You’re avoiding social situations or specific places because of anxiety.
• Your symptoms are getting worse, not better.

Example of Anxiety Symptoms

Imagine you have an important presentation at work. As the day approaches, you might worry intensely, experience feelings of agitation or irritability, and have trouble sleeping. Your mind might race with thoughts about what could go wrong, and you might even notice physical symptoms like muscle aches, trouble breathing, or dizziness. These are common signs of anxiety that can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

Treatment Options

At The Therapy Hub, we offer several effective treatment options for anxiety such as:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you accept negative thoughts and feelings while committing to personal values.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches you to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies.
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Uses eye movements to help process and reduce the impact of traumatic memories.

We support individuals of all ages, including children dealing with separation anxiety. Our goal is to help you regain control of your life and improve your overall well-being.

Anxiety is a normal emotion, we all experience anxiety from time to time, but when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding the causes and symptoms of anxiety and exploring effective treatment options can help you take the first steps towards managing it. Always remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, and with the right help, you can navigate through anxiety towards a healthier, more balanced life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, reach out to The Therapy Hub for guidance and support. Your well-being is important, and we are here to help you through this. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a calmer, more peaceful life.

Listen to Our Podcast Episode on Worry

For more insights on managing anxiety and worry, listen to this interview with our director, Marie Vakakis, and Lillian Nejad on This Complex Life. They share practical tips and personal stories to help you navigate these challenging feelings.