Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Guest Blog - Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Worry by Sarah Edelman PhD




What is Anxiety?
Response to perception of threat: 'Something bad might happen' and accompanied by physical response: ‘Fight or Flight’ Response or 'Motor Tension'

Motor tension (Long term vigilance) may give rise to:
·         Ongoing 'nerviness'
·         Tiredness
·         Disturbed sleep
·         Dizziness
·         Headaches
·         Tremor
·         Tight throat
·         Tooth grinding
·         Heat surges
·         Twitches
·         Neck pain
·         Chest pain
·         Irritable bowel
·         Numbness or tingling
·         Feelings of unreality
·         Poor concentration
·         Shooting pains
·         Indigestion



Anxiety can be a Motivator

Increases Risk of Anxiety Disorders: 
Panic Disorder; Social phobia; Generalised Anxiety Disorder; Specific phobias; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Anxiety is Common
Evolution favours anxiety. Anxiety disorders affect: 14% of the population per year (11% males, 18% females); 26% of the population over their lifetime. It is the most common reason for presentation for psychological treatment.

State vs Trait
State Anxiety: Temporary State
Trait Anxiety: Predisposition to Anxiety (influenced by temperament + life experiences)

State Anxiety: Common Threats
Negative appraisal   (rejection, disapproval, criticism)
Conflict, Failure, Loss, Physical harm or death, Harm to loved ones, anxiety

Anxiety begets Anxiety
Anxiety itself can become a threat. May generate “free floating” anxiety.

The Role of Behaviours
Behavioural responses are motivated by desire to be safe. However excessive safety behaviours maintain negative appraisals ®  maintain anxiety


COMMON BEHAVIOURS
Avoidance 
e.g. of things that make us anxious; social situations, busy public places, unpleasant tasks, etc.

Safety behaviours
e.g. perfectionism; excessively cautious; excessive attempts at control; sit near the door, take someone with you, mobile phone contact, over-preparation

Reassurance seeking
e.g. checking, asking others, internet, self-monitoring, worrying, frequent medical appointments,

Continue reading as we post more from Sarah including some great strategies for managing anxiety.

About Sarah
Dr Sarah Edelman is a clinical psychologist in private practice, author and trainer. She conducts professional training programs for the Australian Psychological Society and the Black Dog Institute Sydney, and runs workshops at Sydney University Centre for Continuing Education.  Sarah has published many articles in professional and mainstream journals, and is a regular guest on ABC radio.  Her book, “Change Your Thinking” is a best seller in the self-help genre. 
 

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