Anxiety and panic attacks are created by our natural safety responses being triggered by our thoughts about the past, present and future. If you've listened to the Your Stress Response video, you may have recognised some of the issues I talk about.
The first time you experience a panic attack it can feel as though you are having a heart attack and that can be very frightening. Unfortunately, you then start to worry about having another panic attack and that makes you feel even more anxious and more likely to have one.
Sometimes things happen to us early in our life where you felt unsafe and vulnerable. Or something happened later in life that started you worrying, such as a health issue or redundancy.
This type of situation can mean that your natural alarm system starts to look out for anything and everything that could be a threat or danger to you. Over the years this can build up to meaning that you may spend most of your life worrying about things that could go wrong and worrying about the natural, physical reactions of our survival responses.
Our fight and flight response means our heart beats faster, our breathing gets shallower and quicker, we get foggy memory, our stomach can feel weird, we sweat and we can get the shakes.
As I say in the video, this reaction is normal, it is triggered by the adrenaline, cortisol, noradrenline and other body reactions, that are designed to help us survive by fighting, running away, fainting or freezing.
It's almost as though you are leading your life with a huge radar on your head which is constantly scanning your surroundings for danger!
Many of the therapies I use help to change how you are thinking about things so that you have a different, more helpful response.
You might find these audio course and MP3's helpful.
Be a Stress Survivor
Saying No Instead of Yes
Stop Smoking Breathe Easy
There are more videos on my YouTube Channel Relaxation Playlist
My interview wasn't without incident!!
I developed severe toothache the day before, only had time to grab painkillers which didn't work. I seriously considered not doing the 20-30 minute presentation ...., however decided instead to go ahead but to let the panel know the circumstances under which I was working. I have to say that I was very relaxed about the whole thing.
JB Charity Worker
Anne helped me to understand the causes of my anxiety and reduce the symptoms that it produced with behavioural techniques. By applying the techniques she taught me I am able to reduce stress before it becomes a problem.
Sue Hall
"I passed my test with flying colours”
D.M. Driving Instructor
I can't emphasize enough how grateful I am for the help and advice that Anne has gave to my daughter during a difficult time. My daughter felt relaxed sharing her worries with Anne and she really listened to what was being said. Anne suggested helpful techniques /solutions which could be used and practised when needed. Trouble free and easy to make appointments and communicate with. So pleased we found her.
SJ, Mum