Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of dread or worry that comes on for no apparent reason. Or it may occur when specific things happen, such as when in a crowd of people or answering the telephone. Small and occasional moments of anxiety are quite normal. It is when it comes to effect you leading a normal life that it is time to seek treatment.

Depression

Depression is another primitive reaction that kills a person’s motivation to do anything. It involves a overwhelming sadness and a loss of interest in doing anything except maybe lie in bed or sit watching TV all day.

Fear of Flying

Among the other phobias I deal with, a fear of flying is the most common. Although the fear is quite irrational, it is nevertheless very real. People who suffer from a fear of flying can find their overseas holidays ruined by the experience, or find things difficult if their work requires them to travel.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a fear of travelling outside of a limited number of places. Sufferers are limited to travelling to a few places, such as home, work and the local shops. In extreme cases, sufferers find that they are overwhelmed with fear if they even leave their own home.

Other Phobias

It is quite common for people to develop an irrational fear of all sorts of things, including vaccinations and other medical procedures, various animals (frogs, spiders, birds etc), and certain places (motorways, bridges and so on).

Lack of Confidence

People who lack confidence may find themselves filled with anxiety when asked to do something simple that they are quite capable of doing. For example, their mind goes blank in an exam, or they freeze when asked to explain something to an audience.

Low Self-Esteem

Sufferers from low self-esteem do not think much of themselves. They may believe they are stupid or ugly or that they are not worthy. This can impact their whole life.

Being an Addict

When someone is addicted, they feel an overwhelming compulsion to repeat their addictive habit. As well as becoming addicted to alcohol, prescription medication and other substance abuse, people can also become addicted to certain activities, such as checking social media, gambling and sex.

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking and vaping are highly addictive. The treatment for nicotine addiction (in whatever form the nicotine is) is different from other forms of addiction, and you can find out about it on the Quit Smoking page.

Digestive Issues

Anxiety can give rise to a range of digestive problems, such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), acid reflux, stomach cramps and vomiting .

Sleep Problems

Anxiety is often associated with sleep problems – not being able to get to sleep, waking in the middle of the night and not being able to settle down, sleeping very long number of hours, or generally not feeling rested after a night’s sleep

Stress can cause other physical issues such as migraines, excessive sweating, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus, eczema, and muscle pain.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are times when the brain goes into a complete panic, which may last for quite a few minutes before returning to normal. There is no apparent reason for the panic. Sufferers are completely overwhelmed and find it difficult to think clearly.

Obsessive Behavior

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a form of anxiety where the sufferer finds that they feel compelled to follow certain rituals in order to avoid anxiety. These may be things like locking and unlocking the door a set number of times when they come in, or avoiding walking on cracks in the pavement.