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Low self-esteem and self-doubt (over the way we think, look
or act) can play a large part in the development and growth of the increased anxiety symptoms seen in most anxiety and depression problems. Many of the anxiety disorder symptoms below reflect the way we feel about ourselves. Disorders that can develop can involve: persistent worrying and feelings of apprehension; anxiety increasing and 'spilling over' into panic attacks; phobias, where the anxiety and panic become associated with objects or situations in which we feel vulnerable; obsessions and compulsions; forms of depression and physical illness. The following list is an example of some of the symptoms associated with anxiety and panic, phobias, OCD and depression. They can be numerous, encompassing our thoughts, feelings and actions, and may be related directly to anxiety at a given moment or generally to how we feel about ourselves. Many of the psychological symptoms may be present whichever 'disorder' exists. ANXIETY SYMPTOMS These affect mind, body and behaviour and are associated with the mind and body preparing for action. Physical Body Changes:
ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AND
' FIGHT OR FLEE '
Physical anxiety symptoms result from the body re-directing resources to the major muscle groups (legs / arms / chest) to provide them with an energy boost to prepare us for action (ultimately to fight or flee). * Our breathing becomes more rapid to get more oxygen for these muscles into the blood. * Our heartbeat speeds up to get the blood to the muscles quicker. * Blood is diverted from the brain (making us light-headed and dizzy) and the stomach (causing 'butterflies'). * Energy cannot be wasted processing any half-digested food in our system so we need to get rid of it quickly - either through the mouth (feelings of nausea) or the other end (wanting to go to the toilet). * Other 'energy-wasting ' systems (unnecessary in time of danger) are shut down eg. saliva production, giving us a dry mouth and difficulty swallowing. * We sweat more to cool down all this energy production. * The energy boost to the muscles makes them 'jumpy' / 'jittery' / 'jelly-like' / on edge ready for action. The same happens with panic, but it's usually instantaneous and more intense - for when panic occurs the danger is usually more sudden.
ANXIETY DISORDER SYMPTOMS These develop from experiences, anxiety/panic and learning. They can be expressed physically, behaviourally and psychologically and are connected to heightened anxiety symptoms. (Note that most of the population display these symptoms to a lesser degree at some time in their lives - usually more so in times of stress) Physical
(Please note that any recurring physical symptoms such as pains or function problems (eg. digestion, bowel) need to be checked out by a medical doctor as they could be the signs of underlying physical disease)
Which anxiety disorder symptoms exist, the number of symptoms, the extent to which they occur, the situations in which they appear and the way they interact with each other are as complex as the individual and the events experienced. They can support and confirm each other and strengthen until they become part of the make up of an individual. It's not surprising that we tend to use such phrases as "It's just the way I am" and "It's just part of me". However, such behaviours do
make up JUST PART of a person. Someone who is sad - is also at times happy, weak - is at times strong, scared - is at times brave and unconfident - is at times confident! What we need to do is reduce the bad feelings and increase the good ones. No matter how smallthey exist at the moment - THEY DO EXIST. "It takes but one positive thought, when given a chance to survive Although you may not appreciate it at the moment, you do have special qualities that many people don't have, including some that could have only developed out of the struggle with feelings of self-doubt and anxiety symptoms ... you have the potential to become a much stronger, wiser person than one who hasn't experienced these problems. So is it really possible to become totally free from these problems? Yes it is. The next section gives us a brief insight into it needs. >> THE ANSWER
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THE PROBLEM THE SYMPTOMS THE ANSWER IT CAN BE DONE _______________ Evolving Self-Confidence |
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