Change is the only constant and according to clinician Natasha Buckle, in 2015 people will experience things that will cause stress and strain which may cause anxiety. These things can be anything from a new job/school to moving to a new house or even relocating.
“Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time and it’s a normal response to either internal or external stimuli. At low levels, anxiety serves as a kind of warning system and prompts the person to take the necessary steps to prevent the threat. However, when the levels are high, a person’s normal functioning can be significantly compromised.”
She added that high levels of anxiety can also lead to distortions in perceptions and produce confusion which in turn impacts negatively on concentration.
“Besides transition, a number of disorders can trigger low or high levels of anxiety. When considering triggers for anxiety, one must keep in mind that there are several different disorders that have high anxiety levels as a contributing factor, like post-traumatic stress disorder.”
She explained that you have to be on the lookout for any physical symptoms of anxiety that include: diarrhea, dizziness, hypertension, palpitations, restlessness, tingling in the hands and fingers and upset stomachs. “In order to control anxiety, you have to have a go-to-plan ready when anxiety levels increase. One of the techniques that work are relaxation techniques that can be effective and understand your specific triggers for anxiety. Also be present in the moment and try not to focus on past experiences that affected you in a negative way as this may lead to over-thinking future events.”
Buckle added that it is also very important to be aware of the symptoms and to get professional help when they begin to impact negatively on daily functioning.
“If anxiety tackles you remember there are ways that will help you cope. By actively using these, the anxiety does not have to become a big monster, you can continue to be your usual productive self,” concludes Buckle.
