Navigating the Waves: Understanding Anxiety from a Counsellor’s Perspective
As a counsellor, I often find myself guiding individuals through the intricate terrain of their emotions, particularly anxiety. It's crucial to recognise that anxiety is a normal part of the human experience, serving as a built-in mechanism that alerts us to potential threats and helps us navigate life's challenges, it can help us move out of our comfort zones and complacency.
I have witnessed countless individuals grappling with anxiety in their lives. It is important to recognise that anxiety is a normal part of the human experience, however, excessive anxiety can pose challenges to day-to-day functioning. Let's explore anxiety, the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, and what sets them apart.
Anxiety is a natural response to stressful or threatening situations. It is our body's way of preparing for a potential danger or a challenging event.
As Sigmund Freud said, "Anxiety is the price we pay for civilization." This reminds us that anxiety is deeply woven into our human existence.
It is really important to acknowledge that anxiety serves a purpose. It keeps us alert, helps us focus, and motivates us to take necessary action. Anxiety can push us out of our comfort zones, to prepare for exams or job interviews, or to meet deadlines. It is a reminder that we care about the outcome and want to perform our best.
At times, however, anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with our daily lives. This is when we need to recognise the impact it has on our well-being.
"The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." Carl Rogers
Rogers emphasises the importance of addressing excessive anxiety as it hinders our ability to fully engage with the process of life.
Understanding the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack is also crucial. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they do have distinct characteristics.
Anxiety attacks are intense episodes of fear or discomfort that arise suddenly. They are usually triggered by a specific situation or event. During an anxiety attack, individuals may experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating and a sense of impending doom. These attacks typically peak within a few minutes and then subside.
On the other hand, panic attacks are unexpected and often occur without any identifiable trigger.
According to Judith Lewis Herman, a renowned psychotherapist, "Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing creates change you do choose." Panic attacks can be a manifestation of unresolved trauma or deep emotional wounds.
While the symptoms of anxiety attacks and panic attacks may overlap, what sets them apart is primarily their triggers and predictability. Understanding this difference helps individuals and their therapists effectively address and manage these challenging experiences.
So whilst anxiety is a normal part of being human and a natural response to challenging situations in our lives, an excess of anxiety can pose challenges to our daily functioning and well-being. Recognising the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks is essential for effectively addressing and managing them.
