Stress and anxiety
One in seven of us in the UK suffer from stress or anxiety at one time – Focus Therapy can help.
In today’s fast-paced society, we are all faced with many responsibilities, demands and stresses. Many of us feel that we have unexpected or high demands on us, and at some point, can struggle to cope with everything. With pressures in work, where we are told that the more money we make, the more successful we are, and social media making us feel we need to have a certain life, and look a particular way, it is no wonder more and more people are showing signs of over-anxiety, which leads to stress, and make a significant impact on the quality of life and wellbeing.
Anxiety is a fear or concern that is out of proportion to the situation, although sometimes it will not feel like this. Anxiety is the primal response that protects you against threats in your environment, so if danger is present your body triggers a rush of blood to your arms and legs so that you can fight or run away; ‘fight or flight’ mode. It causes your heart to beat faster, pumping oxygen around your body to those parts that need it to protect you. You may feel as if you are on high alert as well, unable to calm down or relax, your mind may race unable to focus or quieten down. Does this sound familiar?
It is a normal part of the human protection system to experience this fight-or-flight response, but only when there is real and present danger. When you start to experience prolonged or regular feelings of anxiety, it is time to act. There can also be anxiety without knowing what is causing it, a general feeling of anxiety known as “free floating” anxiety.
Anxiety and stress can manifest itself differently for everyone but common physical signs of anxiety or stress are: racing heartbeat, chest tightness, struggle to breathe, nausea, sweating, panic attacks, insomnia and tremors. It doesn’t have to be physical, it could be inner tension, or agitation and irritability with people or situations. You could start to feel detached in certain situations or feel something terrible is going to happen and you are losing control. Many people get social anxiety, or at work, in exams, travelling and just specific situations.
So why is it important to reduce anxiety in your life? What difference will it make to you? Research shows that prolonged exposure to cortisol and other stress related hormones can cause:
- Memory problems
- Weakened immune system
- Weaker bones
- Increased blood pressure
- Reduce fertility
How can Focus Therapy help?
At Focus Therapy, we will have an initial, informal telephone chat with you to identify where the anxiety is, and where it has come from. We can help assess your anxiety, identifying the root of stress or anxiety whether it is a situation, a physical issue, a past experience or a relationship.
During the therapy sessions, we will then tap into the subconscious to reach those feelings or the situation where the anxiety comes from, and work to overcome and deal with this first. We will then work together to change the thoughts that trigger the anxiety and stress with gentle exercises and behavioural techniques.
We will unlock the potential to break free negative thought patterns, and to react more positively and more confidently to the situations that made you previously feel anxious.
Contact us today
