Anxiety Therapy

“Neither comprehension nor learning can take place in an atmosphere of anxiety.”
Rose F. Kennedy

“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” 
Walter Anderson, The Confidence Course, 1997

Anxiety is a disorder caused by fear, trepidation, nervousness, worrying and in extreme cases,  panic.  Mild anxiety is considered normal during certain stressful situations such as taking an exam, speaking in public or during an interview. Severe anxiety can have a serious affect on one’s life and interfere with one’s ability to sleep and/or function in a normal manner.

Anxiety symptoms include trembling, palpitations, ‘ butterflies in the stomach’, sweating, nausea, aches, diarrhea, frequent urination and insomnia.  A more serious form may also include chest pains, shortness of breath, dizziness and flashbacks.  Anxiety can be classified into several types such as social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, panic disorders  and post-traumatic stress disorder.

There are many treatments for anxiety depending upon its type and severity.  Stress-management, meditation, abdominal breathing, relaxation techniques, confronting one’s fears, exercising and support from family and friends.  Cognitive therapy is the training of one’s mind to dispel negative thoughts and replace with controlled logical thinking.  Treatment varies from person to person with a goal towards gaining confidence and control of one’s life by reducing / eradicating the anxiety and its effects.