Everyone feels anxious at some point in their life because it’s a normal human emotion. We can blame our amygdala for that as it’s a tiny organ in our brain that deals with environmental threat. So if we feel stressed about work, under pressure or worried, anxiety will pop up and say hi. Small doses of anxiety are nothing to worry about as it can prompt us to act.However,anxiety is potentially a problem if it is on-going, intense, out of proportion to what is happening, and interfering with your ability to live your life the way you want.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety can present itself in many different ways and affect people of all ages. It's more than just feeling nervous before a big event; it can be a persistent and disheartening state of mind that impacts relationships,work,and personal well-being.

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Symptoms of Anxiety

Human beings have evolved ways to help us protect ourselves from danger. When we feel under threat our bodies react by releasing certain hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can physically affect our bodies in the following ways:

• A more noticeable heartbeat (because blood is being sent to where it's needed most)
• Feeling lightheaded and dizzy (because our breathing has become shallower and there is increased blood flow to the brain and muscles)
• Headaches (due to certain hormones being released)
• Sweating (the body is trying to cool itself down)
• Shaking (due to the muscles being primed to act OR due to the body releasing     hormones to help you relax after the threat has passed)
• Nausea (because blood is being diverted away from the digestive system)
• Needing the toilet more or less often

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In addition to the physiological impact, anxiety can also affect your thinking:

 
• Worrying uncontrollably
• Fearing the worst
• Difficulty concentrating
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How is anxiety treated?

There are lots of different ways to treat anxiety and it is recommended that you speak to an appropriately qualified health professional to choose the best treatment for you. Broadly speaking, anxiety is usually treated with psychological therapy, medication or both.

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Psychological Therapy

There are lots of different types of talking therapy such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR. What these approaches have in common is that they aim to get to the root of your anxiety and make things better via awareness, breaking out of old patterns of thinking and behaving and learning new ways of coping.

Different types of people benefit from different approaches,and it is important that you speak to an appropriately qualified therapist to choose the right psychological intervention for you. Dr Maria Tucknott and her team are all HCPC registered Psychologists which means they meet the HCPC standards of training, professional skills and behaviour.

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Medication

Medication can help with severe symptoms of anxiety, but it is unlikely to cure it. It is a bit like spraying weed killer on an unwanted plant – it goes away for a while but the root remains. If you want to learn more about how medication can help then please speak to your GP as they will be suitably qualified to advise on what medication is best for you.

Anxiety Therapy Hertford

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Dr Maria Tucknott is an EMDR Therapist and offers therapy in Hertford for Anxiety. If this does not suit you, then her and her team also offer online therapy in Hertfordshire and nationwide. If you would like to book an appointment with Dr Tucknott and her team, OR have a free 15 minute consultation then contact us today.

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