Anxiety including Panic Attacks and OCD

Anxiety disorders and depression compete for being the number one health problem in Western society.  Approximately 10% of the population have suffered from panic attacks, phobias or anxiety disorders in the past year.  According to the Mental Health Network (2016) 1 in 6 people will experience symptoms of anxiety or depression every week in England.

Anxiety is a gift from nature because it aids survival. But like anything else taken to excess, acute anxiety can be problematic and become as disabling as any chronic physical illness.  Panic attacks, phobias, excessive fears and worries, obsessive-compulsive behaviours and post-traumatic stress reactions are all forms of out-of-control anxiety.  All anxiety disorders and highly emotional states interfere with the ability to think and concentrate. 

In areas such as OCD the repetitive behaviours or rituals the individual feels compelled to do to lower their anxiety levels only find the relief is temporary and the routines which become so integral in their life causes additional difficulties and distress.

A panic attack is caused by the inappropriate firing off of the ‘fight or flight’ response – the body’s alarm system.  Having a panic attack can be a frightening experience where people truly believe they are going to die.

If you suffer from one of these conditions it can feel as if your life will never be normal again. 

There are three elements to anxiety: the physical sensations you experience, the emotions you have while experiencing them and the thoughts that go through your mind at the time.

By de-traumatising the disruptive memories, providing practical coping strategies and demonstarting a range of relaxation techniques Human Givens therapy can give individuals the means to quickly learn and deal with anxiety and move on with their life.