Is it anxiety that I’m feeling?

What is anxiety and how do you know if you have it?

It’s natural to feel anxious from time to time, especially when you are experiencing stressful situations. However, when anxiety is prolonged or becomes overwhelming it can become challenging and can interfere with your wellbeing.

Common symptoms are feelings of irritability, tense or restlessness, heart palpitation, sweating or trembling, worrying, difficulty sleeping, having a sense of impending danger or panic. Anxiety is experienced differently for each individual. Sometimes it can be hard to identify as symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly over time.

Some helpful coping strategies include:

• Deep breathing: Counting slowly to 4 when taking a breath in, then counting to 4 slowly when breathing out. Repeating this at least 4 times.

• Remembering “this too shall pass”. Particularly if you are experiencing a panic attack, it can be a helpful reminder that the feelings will pass no matter how distressing it feels at the time.

• Regular exercise: whether it is walking around the block, or going to a gym - physical activity can help reduce stress hormones and increase the production of endorphins.

• Bring yourself to the present moment: Ground yourself by using your 5 senses. Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

If you are finding that your day to day life is being impacted, it may be time to have a chat to your GP or mental health care professional for further help.