Anxiety & Stress Counselling in Chelmsford and North London

It can be difficult to spot the differences between anxiety and stress. Both can lead to physical and psychological symptoms. In short, stress is your body’s reaction to a trigger and is generally a short-term experience. Stress can be positive or negative, anxiety, on the other hand, is a sustained mental health disorder that can be triggered by stress.

Anxiety can often stem from the body’s reaction to unsafe, hostile and traumatic situations. The body prepares itself to fight or run away. Your heart rate increases as well as a number of other symptoms. These responses are undeniably typical in the short term to protect you from harm, but feelings of anxiety can sometimes go on for a long time after the event. When anxiety lasts a long time and starts to impact on everyday life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

I understand that it can be difficult to know when to seek professional help but if this sounds like your experience, then I can help. I am trained in several approaches. The approach used will be discussed and decided during your initial consultation. I offer a friendly, professional, ethical service, operating in two safe and supportive environments – one in Chelmsford in Essex and the other in Archway in North London.

The main types of anxiety disorder

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD is an anxiety disorder that usually arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.
  • Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): People with GAD worry constantly about everyday things or about what might happen in the future.
  • Social anxiety disorder: This type of anxiety can cause you to feel anxious or worry about social interactions
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a sub-type of anxiety disorder.
  • Panic attacks: Panic attacks are an extreme response to anxiety during which people will experience a sudden and intense period of the body’s anxiety response.
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Some of the cause of anxiety disorder

Anxiety can occur for a wide variety of reasons or may seem to come out of the blue. Where the cause is not clear to you, talking to a therapist who is more familiar with common triggers of anxiety may be helpful.:

  • Ongoing stress (e.g. pressure at work or from family life);
  • Stress from particular situations (e.g. losing your job or moving house);
  • Experiencing childhood abuse (physical, psychological or sexual);
  • Witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event;
  • Drug and alcohol use.

Symptoms of anxiety

There are many physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety. You may experience some or all of them.

Physical Symptoms

Include a racing heart, sweating, fast /shallow breathing,  chest pains, breathing problems, dizziness, headaches, needing the toilet frequently / urgently, sore or upset stomach, shaking, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and sleep problems.

Psychological Symptoms

Include: feeling tense/wound up, becoming irritated or angry quickly, feeling out of control, feeling detached from your surroundings, worrying continually and having trouble concentrating on tasks.

GET IN TOUCH

If you would like to arrange an initial anxiety / stress counselling consultation in either Chelmsford or Archway (North London), please contact me by phone, text or email and I will get back to you within 24 hours to arrange a suitable appointment.

Call 07715820743

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