Anxiety

Psychologists start with a thorough assessment to understand your individual experiences, the severity, the triggers, and the specific type of anxiety

The psychologist will work collaboratively with you to set personal goals and develop a clear, supportive plan for progress

Evidenced based therapies such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness provide practical ways to manage anxious thoughts and stay grounded

Psychologists will provide you with coping skills and strategies, to face challenges, build resilience and confidence over time.

Throughout your journey your psychologist offers guidance and encouragement, helping you to feel safe and supported to explore your feelings. As you make progress your psychologist will help you develop a plan for the future using learning skills and strategies.

Persistent worry or fear

Feeling restless, tense, or on edge

Difficulty concentrating or feeling like your mind goes blank

A sense of impending doom

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Sweating or trembling

Shortness of breath or feeling smothered

Muscle tension or headaches

Digestive issues, like nausea or stomach pain

Dizziness or light-headedness

Fatigue or feeling easily tired

Avoiding certain situations or activities

Compulsively checking or seeking reassurance

Difficult making decisions or feeling overwhelmed

Excessive worrying, constant overthinking, racing thoughts, mind jumps rapidly from one through to another.

Intrusive thoughts, unwanted distressing thoughts or mental images hard to shake.

Overthinking or rumination: replaying events in your mind, second guessing self and actions.

Irrational fears: experience heightened fears or exaggerated perceptions of danger in everyday situations.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) : CBT is highly effective approach that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours related to anxiety

Exposure Therapy: This technique gradually and safely exposes people to anxiety-inducing situations, helping them reduce fear over time.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Practices like mindfulness and acceptance strategies can help people stay grounded in the present, reducing anxious thoughts.

Interpersonal and Emotionally Focused Therapies: These approaches help individuals explore emotional triggers and relationship dynamics contributing to anxiety, offering tools to improve emotional regulation and relational skills.

Antidepressants: SSRIs and SNRIs are commonly prescribed for anxiety and can help reduce symptoms by balancing brain chemicals.

Anti-Anxiety Medications: Medications like Benzodiazepines can provide quick relief for acute anxiety episodes, though they are typically used short-term.

Beta-Blockers: Sometimes prescribed for social anxiety, beta-blockers help manage physical symptoms like rapid heart rate and shaking in stressful situations.

Consultation with a Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist or primary care physician can assess individual needs and determine the most appropriate medication, often in conjunction with therapy.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces stress, and can improve mood, making it a natural way to manage anxiety.

Healthy Diet: Nutrient-dense foods and reducing caffeine and sugar intake can help regulate mood and energy levels.

Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep practices, like maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine, can improve resilience against anxiety.

Stress-Reduction Techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling provide natural ways to calm the mind and reduce stress