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November 16, 2023
Anxiety is an emotion we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid particularly about things we think might happen in the future. Some anxiety is a normal part of our day to day life and everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life - it is a manageable response to a stressful situation. A manageable level of anxiety is helpful in that it prepares us to face the daily challenges which are part of modern living.
But too much anxiety can be debilitating and can lead to a lack of confidence, social isolation, an increase in alcohol and drug use, or sometimes to feelings of self-harm. It can also lead to absenteeism or presenteeism in the workplace.
A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense anxiety where the body experiences a rush of intense physical and mental symptoms. A panic episode can come on very quickly and sometimes for no apparent reason. A panic attack can be very frightening and distressing, with sensations such as:
The symptoms of a panic attack are not dangerous, but can be very frightening.
They can make someone feel as though they are having a heart attack, or that they are going to collapse or even die. Most panic attacks last somewhere from 5 minutes to half an hour.
Please be aware that most of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other medical conditions. It is important that you contact your GP to rule out any underlying medical reasons for these symptoms.
When anxiety overwhelms us and prevents us from living our normal lives, then this natural process has become a problem that needs to be dealt with. Short-lived but intense ‘panic attacks’ and long-term feelings of anxiety can be very debilitating. The unpleasant feelings palpitations, racing heart, nausea, headache, restlessness and sweating are the body’s response to the hormone adrenaline, which is preparing us to fight danger or to run away from it. These feelings might be helpful if a lion is chasing us, but not if we want to go out to do some shopping!
The aim of any treatment programme is to control such excessive anxiety, to enable us to manage these feelings and put them back in their proper place.
Sometimes the anxiety is part of another problem perhaps depression, withdrawal from alcohol, a side effect of medication or very occasionally a physical illness. Our attempts to avoid the sources of anxiety can also contribute to the development of social and other phobias.
All is not lost, though. There is a range of very effective treatments and self-help initiatives which can help and which can make a big difference.
TAC Healthcare can support and advise on how to deliver a proactive rather than reactive mechanism that will provide greater returns. Benefit from psychotherapy, stress management, mental health first aid training, and routine or post-incident counselling. We equip your team with the tools for staying resilient. Learn more about our Mental Health Services.
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