ANXIETY COUNSELLING
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition is Australia. 1 in 4 people is affected by anxiety at some stage in their life.
Stress and anxiety are common and healthy reaction to situations when we are under pressure. These feelings usually pass when the stressful event is over.
Fears, doubts and worries are part of life, however, it happens that the level of distress becomes suffocating and unbearable. When worries become persistent, intrusive and excessive, everyday life can be affected to the point of being hardly manageable and overwhelming.
It is crucial to differentiate between distress and anxiety. Distress is a negative emotional reaction when we are unable to manage stressors. Psychological distress is a subjective experience but there are common factors like heightened state of stress, increased irritation, inability to calm down, general fatigue and low energy level, problems with sleeping. Anxiety is manifested by hyperarousal of brain and body, shortness of breath, numbness, dryness of mouth, inability to relax, ruminating and disturbed sleep pattern.
While distress is linked to external events, anxiety is related to internal stress overreactions, rather than external factors.
Experiencing anxiety for a long time can lead to irrational fears of situation that seem normal for other people. We may excessively worry about future, finances, how other people see us, we can worry about worrying too much…
It is important to obtain knowledge and tools to manage anxiety. If untreated, anxiety can become so extreme that the person affected by it can isolate, become avoidant or withdraw themselves from everyday life.
Anxiety Counselling can be helpful in learning how to recognise and control anxiety, so its impact is decreased and you are in control of your life.
"Mark", 45 years old professional, sought counselling to address his debilitating anxiety that had been haunting him for years. His anxiety manifested as a constant worry and a fear of social situations, which were undermining his personal and professional life. When "Mark" reached out for help, he felt trapped and overwhelmed with his anxious thoughts.
​
Thought the combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness techniques, "Mark" began to gain control over his anxiety. Our counselling sessions equipped him with tools to challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping skills. Over time, "Mark's" confidence grew and he was able to face social and work related situations with greater ease.