Anxiety: unpredictable, hidden and needs to be taken seriously

When people say to me that their chest feels tight, they can hardly breathe and have been given the all clear by the GP, we often agree that they are probably experiencing anxiety.  It can feel like we are having a heart attack with an overwhelming sense of being out of control. 

When we feel like this the last thing we want to hear from well meaning friends and family is 'snap out of it'.

If only it was that easy.

It may be in our heads, but it feels very real. We are not imagining it.  Why would anyone want to pretend they are feeling the way they do?

When we experience symptoms of anxiety it is often related to  events, thoughts or the circumstances in which we find ourselves.  We can reflect on what changes have taken place - which are often tied up with loss.

Anxiety can be emotionally crippling.  Our ability to think straight can be severely impaired.

If we can talk to someone about our anxiety and how we are feeling this can be very helpful. If talking is not an option, then we can find another way to express ourselves. 

Recognising that anxiety can override our positive thoughts can help ourselves and those around us how anxiety can affect our day to day lives and what they can do/say to  help make life easier.