Anxiety
Every person feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part of life. All of us know what it is like to feel worry, nervousness, fear, and concern. We feel nervous when we have to give a speech, go for a job interview, or walk into our boss's office for our annual performance appraisal. We know it's normal to feel a surge of fear when we unexpectedly see a photo of a snake or look down from the top of a tall building.

Most of us manage these kinds of anxious feelings fairly well and don't allow them to disrupt our lives. But millions of people (an estimated 15 percent of the population) suffer from devastating and constant anxiety that severely affects, and sometimes highly restricts their lives.


They experience panic attacks, phobias, extreme shyness, and obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

The feeling of anxiety is a constant dominating force that disrupts their lives. Some become prisoners in their own homes, unable to leave to work, drive, or visit the grocery store. For these people, anxiety is much more than just an occasional wave of apprehension.

What is anxiety?
An anxiety disorder affects a person's behavior, thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. The most common anxiety disorders include the following:

Social Anxiety Also called social phobia, this disorder is a fear of being around other people. People suffering from it always feel self-conscious around others. They always have the feeling that everyone is staring at them and being critical in some way. Because the anxiety is so painful, people suffering from it learn to stay away from social situations and avoid other people. Some eventually need to be alone at all times, in a room with the door closed. The anxiety is pervasive and constant, and it even happens with people one knows. People with social anxiety know that their thoughts and fears are irrational. They know that others are not actually judging or evaluating them at every moment. But this knowledge does not
make the anxiety disappear.

Panic Disorder A person with this disorder has panic attacks without warning. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, about 5 percent of the adult population suffers from panic attacks. Some experts say that this number is actually higher, since many people experience panic attacks but never receive treatment. A panic attack is extremely upsetting and frightening. It typically lasts several minutes, but in some cases, it lasts longer or strikes several times within a short time period. Often, a panic attack is followed by feelings of depression and helplessness. Most people who have experienced a panic attack say that their greatest fear is that the attack will happen again.

Many times, a person who has experienced a panic attack doesn't know its cause; the attack seems to have come out of the blue. Other times, a
person reports having felt extreme stress or having encountered difficult times and isn't surprised that a panic attack occurred.

COMMON PANIC SYMPTOMS
• Racing or pounding heart
• Trembling
• Sweaty palms
• Feelings of terror
• Pain or heaviness in chest
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Fear of dying
• Fear of going crazy
• Fear of losing control
• Feeling unable to catch one's breath
• Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, and arms

Generalized Anxiety Disorder This disorder is quite common, affecting an estimated 3 to 4 percent of the population. It fills a person's life with worry, anxiety, and fear. People with this disorder always think and dwell on the what ifs' of a situation. It feels like there is no way out of the vicious cycle of anxiety and worry. The person often becomes depressed about life and the inability to stop worrying. People with this disorder usually don't avoid situations, and they don't generally have panic attacks. However, they can become incapacitated by the inability to shut their minds off and are overcome with feelings of worry and dread, a lack of energy, and a loss of interest in life. The person usually realizes that these feelings are irrational but also knows that they are very real. The person's mood can change from hour to hour or even day to day. Feelings of anxiety feelings and mood swings become a pattern that severely disrupts the person's quality of life. People with this disorder often have physical symptoms including headaches, irritability, frustration, trembling, inability to concentrate, and sleep disturbances. They may also have symptoms of social phobia and panic disorder.

What are the other types of anxiety?
Other types of anxiety disorders include the following:

Phobia. Fear of a specific object or situation.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). System of ritualized behaviors or obsessions that are driven by anxious thoughts.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Severe anxiety that is triggered by memories of a past traumatic experience.
Agoraphobia. Disabling fear that prevents one from leaving home or other safe place.

How is anxiety treated?
Anxiety conditions respond well to a combination of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Hypnotic Suggestion. It also responds well in many cases to Analytical Hypnotherapy

Take that first step and contact us now for a free introductory consultation to discuss which method would best suit you.