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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:

  • Our heart beats faster, breathing becomes faster and there may be a feeling
    of tightness across the chest
  • We feel shaky, dizzy and light-headed; our legs feel like jelly and we may
    sweat more.
  • Our mouth feels dry and it's hard to swallow
  • We feel sick, our stomach churns
  • We want to go to the toilet more often
    • anxiety symptoms
    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.
Our Thoughts:

  • We feel frightened
  • We tell ourselves that we are physically ill, having a heart attack or a sroke
    or going mad
  • We think people are looking at us
  • We worry that we may lose control or make a fool of ourselves in front of
    others
  • We tell ourselves that we must escape and get to a safe place
Our Behaviour:

  • We make excuses to avoid going out or doing things
  • We hurry out of places or situations where we feel anxious
  • Walk to avoid buses; cross the street to avoid people
  • We may have a drink or take a tablet before doing something we find stressful


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
  • Can include:- headaches, digestion problems, bowel problems, allergy-type
    problems, fatigue, constant colds and skin problems and may be due in part
    to the suppression of the body's immune system by chemicals released into
    the bloodstream when anxious.

    • (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)
Behaviours - some examples are:-
  • Chronic Shyness
    Feeling nervous and uncomfortable in the company of other people.
    (possibly mild social phobia / social anxiety symptoms)
  • Excessive Worrying
    Persistant and uncontrollable worrying about people / events / situations.
    (GAD - symptoms general anxiety disorder)
  • Avoidance behaviour
    Avoiding situations where we can be judged, criticized and rejected or places
    (eg. outdoors) and objects where we feel vulnerable. (phobias)
  • Obsessions and compulsions
    Attempts to reassure and protect ourselves - to allay the anxiety over inner
    fears through a sense of control. (OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder
    symptoms)
  • Hypochondria - constantly visiting the Doctor
    Where every ache and pain becomes associated with being a serious illness.
  • Depression
    Involves feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, that events are beyond
    our control and everything we try to do fails or will fail.
  • Sexual problems
    Fears over losing control and being judged on performance can maintain these
    problems.
  • Others include - aggression, sleep disorders and eating disorders.
Psychological - expressed in our thoughts, feelings and actions, they can include:-
  • Perfectionism
    Needing to be the strongest, the most beautiful, the cleverest, the most
    handsome, have the best body, to do the best, to be the best etc.
  • Comparing
    Always comparing ourselves with others and coming up short.
  • Self-consciousness
    Constantly watching ourselves.
  • Child-like
    Desperately needing the love and approval of parents and others.
  • Fantasies
    Common ones include:- one day being rich/famous/great, loved by all.
  • Excessive Tidiness
    Represent attempts to bring form and order to our world, to gain a sense of
    being in control.
  • Symmetry
    Here, what is done by (happens to) one side of the body must be done by (happen to) the other side - also related to order and control.
  • Ending sentences with questions
    To shift the attention away from us to the other person.
  • Mild paranoia
    Involves constant feelings of 'being picked on' and 'others are treated better'.
  • Body image
    Believing our body, or parts of it, are 'not good enough'.
  • Posture
    Standing shoulders down, feet inwards and arms in front of body, trying to be
    small, almost apologetic for being there.
  • Others include - persistent negative thoughts and images, constantly
    looking back for reasons and answers and feelings of having no control
    over our mind or body.

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
and thrive, to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts"
- Robert H. Schuller

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        

   THE PROBLEM

   THE SYMPTOMS

   THE ANSWER

   IT CAN BE DONE
  _______________

  Evolving Self-Confidence

New Book - Evolving Self-Confidence

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