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Tackle Anxiety: How to manage your thoughts and live anxiety-free
Anxiety. It's a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what exactly does it mean?
We've all experienced nervous flutters before a big interview. That's normal anxiety, a helpful response that keeps us alert and focused. But for some people, anxiety becomes a relentless storm, disrupting daily life and casting a shadow over your mental health. Whether you opt for private health insurance or use the NHS, there is help out there.
This blog dives deeper into the world of anxiety, specifically Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). We'll explore what it is, how it manifests, and most importantly, how to manage it and take back control.
When Anxiety Takes Over
Imagine this: a constant undercurrent of worry, a feeling like the rug is about to be pulled out from under you at any moment. That's what GAD can feel like. It's not about one specific fear, but a generalised unease about everything from finances and health to relationships and work. People with GAD often describe it as a never-ending cycle of intrusive thoughts, physical symptoms like fatigue and muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.
Do I Have Anxiety?
The exact cause of GAD is a bit of a mystery, but it's likely a combination of factors. Genetics, past traumas, and even chronic health conditions can play a role.
GAD is a surprisingly common condition, affecting more women than men, and often appearing between the ages of 35 and 55.
Treatment Options
The good news is, there's hope if you’re dealing with this, several effective treatments can help manage GAD and calm the anxious storm. Here are some options:
- Talking Therapies: Techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help identify and challenge negative thought patterns that fuel anxiety.
- Medication: Antidepressants like SSRIs can help regulate brain chemistry and reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Self-Help - While treatment is crucial, there are also things you can do on your own to manage anxiety:
- Self-Help Courses:Consider online or in-person programs or webinars specifically designed to help manage anxiety. With our partner Health Assured we gain free access to multitude of webinars. Follow our socials for each monthly topic.
- Exercise Regularly:Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever and gets those endorphins released. Start by going on an easy short walk and slowly build yourself up.
- Healthy Habits:Prioritise sleep hygiene to improve your sleeping patterns, a balanced diet, and limiting substances like alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen anxiety.
Remember, You're Not Alone
Anxiety can feel isolating, but it's important to remember you're not alone. Millions of people experience it and there are many roots to help you cope with it. By understanding what anxiety is, seeking help, and implementing self-care strategies, you can weather the storm and slowly but surely gain back your peace of mind.
With a healthcare policy with General & Medical you are entitled to 6 Face to Face Counselling Sessions annually upon assessment via our partner Health Assured. You can access help lines and a live chat along with hundreds of resources to help with you overall health & wellbeing via the Wisdom App.
Additional Resources:
Private Health Insurance When you take out a private health insurance policy with us we’ll give you access to 24/7 Health and Wellbeing Support. Services include telephone counselling, self-help programmes including CBT modules and everyday life support covering a wide range of issues. Click the link to get your free quote today.
This content is subject to our Disclaimer.
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