ANXIETY - WHAT IS IT?

ANXIETY

What is it?

A deep pressure feeling that builds in intensity that can be felt in the brain and body. A fear of the unknown, a stress on the nervous system. A heaviness that lingers and can grow and become very controlling.

TYPES OF ANXIETY

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

This can cover every day situations and the scale of intensity can vary from day to day. This can be due to differing levels of:

-sleep

-nutrition

-hydration

-movement

-breaks/rest

-support

The focus of the worry or unknow can revolve around:

-work

-school

-health

-finances

-weather

-travel

Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety stems from a lack of control, trust, communication styles and understanding. It can happen at any time in one’s life and can feel like a personal attack and the brain will shut down to protect itself.

Again, how this is felt can have a range of intensity from not feeling like you belong, not fitting in to complete shut down in all social situations.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is caused when you are forced into a situation where there is no felt safety. Often seen in children and their primary caregivers but this feeling can go two ways and feel very traumatic at the time depending on the needs of the child and caregiver as well as other stress factors mentioned above in Generalised Anxiety.

Whilst children will naturally process separation anxiety depending on family structure, knowledge, support, trauma and neurodivergent factors the intensity and duration can be dramatically past what is regarded as ‘normal’. This is due to external factors outside of the control of the family setting.

ANXIETY CAN CONTRIBUTE TO:

Panic Attacks

Intense fear and discomfort that may include palpitations, sweating, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, trembling, dizziness, numbness, confusion, or a sense of impending doom or loss of control.

Phobias

A phobia is an anxiety disorder, defined by an irrational, unrealistic, persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation and will last longer than 6 months.

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

A mental health condition that causes recurring unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours. These thoughts and behaviours can be distressing and interfere with daily life.

Post traumatic stress disorder

A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include persistent negative emotions, difficulty sleeping, and intrusive thoughts. 

Situational Mutism

An anxiety disorder that prevents people from speaking in certain situations. It's characterized by a freeze response to the demand and uncertainty of speaking to others.

 

ANXIETY CAN BE MORE COMMON IF YOU ARE:

Stressed

Why? If you are stressed from work, finances, your health, your children, and/or your felt safety; your brain and body will be run down. This will effect your ability to rest, obtain and prepare varied nutrition, stay hydrated and stay active.

Autistic

Why? Autistic brains work very differently and constantly fighting to understand the illogical neurotypical rules and social norms. This constant pressure compounds an overriding intensity of fear of the unknown in everyday life.

Female

Why? Hormonal fluctuations throughout their menstrual cycle, the influence of oestrogen and progesterone, and potential differences in brain chemistry, alongside societal and psychological factors like increased stress related to caregiving roles and a tendency to ruminate on negative thoughts more than men do.

Young

Why? Developmental changes in their brains, increased pressures from school and social life, exposure to societal expectations through social media, potential family issues, and a heightened sensitivity to uncertainty, all of which can contribute to feelings of worry and stress during a crucial period of identity formation.

Chronic Pain – Illness

Why? Due to the constant presence of discomfort, coupled with the uncertainty and unpredictability of their condition, it can lead to significant stress and worry about the future, impacting their daily lives and causing them to constantly anticipate pain flares or worsening symptoms; this can trigger anxiety responses in the brain due to the shared neurological pathways between pain and anxiety.

HOW CAN LIGHTHOUSE THERAPY HUB HELP?

We have a range of communication styles to best fit your needs, reducing the demands of having to make ‘the call’.

Follow our socials to understand what it is you are feeling and how you can support yourself at home.

Support you in ‘eco coaching’ time outside to talk, be mindful, practice some breathing exercises and movement.

Our Creative Therapists can work in person and online to suit your needs. The creative twist reduces the pressure for more formal talking therapies.

Attend our Peer Support sessions – these are online and reduce the feelings of isolation.

YOU WILL:

Feel heard

Create tools and strategies

Increase self-empowerment

Increase self-awareness

Feel supported in risk taking – when appropriate