Our Gold Coast psychologists are experienced in treating anxiety and use a variety of evidence based approaches to support individual needs
PSYCHOLOGY GOLD COAST - ANXIETY
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is a multisystem response to a perceived threat or danger. It reflects a combination of biochemical changes in the body, the patient’s personal history and memory, and the social situation. A large portion of human anxiety is produced by negative expectation or anticipation of future events.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is defined as a person who feels anxious on most days, worrying about a variety of things, extending for a period of six months or more.
Panic disorder is characterised by an abrupt surge of fear that reaches peak within minutes, in which four or more of the following symptoms develop, palpitations, sweating, trembling/shaking, feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea, feeling dizzy/lightheaded, feelings of unreality, fear of losing control, fear of dying, paraesthesia, and heat sensations.
A little bit of biochemistry ….
Anxiety disorders are associated with an imbalance of activity in the hippocampus and the amygdala (emotional centres of the brain). The amygdala activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and is responsible for the expression of fear, aggression and defensive behaviour. Together, the amygdala and hippocampus (memory, learning and emotional context of events) are involved in retrieval of both emotional and fear-related memories. {ref}
WHAT DOES ANXIETY LOOK LIKE?
Anxiety can manifest in many different ways for each individual. You may identify with one or a combination of these different presentations:
- Physical
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite/cravings
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath/rapid breathing
- Chest/body pain
- Low sex drive
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Psychological
- Crying spells
- Constant worrying
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Lack of concentration
- Indecisiveness
- Feeling overwhelmed
Behavioural
- Anhedonia
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Relying on substances e.g. alcohol, drugs – stimulants/sedatives
- Psychomotor agitation e.g. constant pacing, tapping
- Withdrawal from family and friends
WHAT CAN CAUSE ANXIETY?
There are a number of key drivers that can result in anxiety, and can include
- Childhood trauma [ref]
- Acute or chronic stressors [ref]
- Substance abuse [ref]
- Sleep disturbances / insomnia [ref]
- Inadequate glucose supply (this can occur after a high glycemic index meal – think sugar, or during times of glycogen depletion such as fasting or prolonged activity. [ref]
- Hyperthyroidism – anxiety and mood changes are clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism [ref]
- Gut dysfunction including irritable bowel syndrome (don’t forget the gut is considered the second brain and dysbiosis can alter mood and emotions via the activation of the vagus nerve) [ref]
- Genetic Predisposition (heritability of approximately 30%) [ref]
At The Wellness Emporium our psychologists and naturopaths work independently or if you choose collaboratively to formulate a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan to help get you the results you want.
THERAPY APPROACHES
Our practitioners take an individualised & holistic approach in the treatment & management of anxiety
PSYCHOLOGY BASED THERAPIES INCLUDE
Mindfulness-based intervention
Mindfulness can be defined as being present in the moment and building awareness of our surroundings, without judgement of any thoughts that may arise. As anxiety can often show up by worrying about the past or the future, mindfulness can be a helpful tool to reduce any feelings of overwhelm by bringing yourself back into the present.
Some simple strategies that can be used to practice mindfulness on a daily basis are:
- Focusing on your breath (doing belly-breathing)
- Bringing awareness to any physical sensations in your body
- Using your senses to bring yourself to the present environment
- Naming 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste
- Practicing mindfully drinking or eating (noticing the specific smells, tastes and textures while drinking water or tea or eating a meal)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy approach often utilised by our psychologists here at The Wellness Emporium. CBT focuses on the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. When it comes to managing and treating anxiety, CBT can help with:
- Identifying and challenging any unhelpful thoughts that may lead to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm, as well as
- Gently introducing healthy behavioural strategies to manage any anxiety-driven or safety behaviours that may be unhelpful (such as avoidance)
Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)
Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is a therapeutic approach that digs deep to find the real reasons behind your struggles. This therapy is all about emotions – it’s based on solid evidence, focuses on your feelings and is patient centred.
ISTDP developers discovered that beneath our anxieties and defences lie our true feelings and experiences. These hidden emotions can affect how we live and relate to others. In ISTDP sessions, the aim is to help you acknowledge, identify, experience, and fully express these emotions – ultimately addressing the root cause. Find out more about ISTDP HERE.
Other holistic approaches & tips from our psychologists & naturopaths
- Engage in gentle activities to calm the body (such as yoga, massage, acupuncture)
- Surround yourself with close and supportive people
- Ensure healthy sleep hygiene and sleep routine
- Look after our body through healthy eating and regular exercise
- Notice any sensations in your body and using grounding techniques to calm the nervous system
- Practicing deep belly breathing, meditation and mindfulness
- Practice regular self care
- Spend time in natural environments
- Cut down on the caffeine