Anxiety – What Is Anxiety?
In simple terms, anxiety means a lack of knowledge or information in an area of concern — such as self-behaviour, emotions, personality, attitude, or habits — which becomes a source of uneasiness, stress and anxiety.
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical condition. Anxiety disorders are a category of mental health diagnoses characterized by feelings of fear, worry and unease strong enough to interfere with daily activities, usually accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating and difficulty breathing.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Treatment typically involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Symptoms vary from person to person, but common ones include: constant worry or fear; avoiding certain situations or places; restlessness; fatigue; difficulty concentrating; irritability; muscle tension; sleep disturbance; digestive problems; rapid heartbeat; shortness of breath; lightheadedness; hot flashes or chills; trembling; and numbness or tingling sensations.
It's important to seek professional help if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, as they can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even with little to provoke it.
- Panic Disorder – sudden, repeated attacks of intense fear, often with physical symptoms like sweating and a rapid heartbeat.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – intense fear of being embarrassed, humiliated, or judged in social situations.
- Specific Phobias – intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as flying, heights, or animals.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – unwanted, intrusive thoughts leading to repetitive behaviours.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – can develop after exposure to a traumatic event.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder – excessive fear or worry about separation from those to whom one is attached.
Having symptoms of anxiety does not necessarily mean you have an anxiety disorder — a mental health professional can properly diagnose and recommend a treatment plan.
Causes of Anxiety
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but contributing factors include genetics, brain chemistry (abnormal levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine), stressful life experiences, chronic medical conditions, substance abuse, withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, and parental training and family environmental factors during a child's formative years.
Overcoming Anxiety with Online/Offline Counselling
Counselling — online or offline — can be a highly effective way to overcome anxiety. Common approaches include:
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – identifying and changing negative thought patterns.
- Exposure Therapy – gradual exposure to a feared object or situation in a controlled, safe environment.
- Meditation/Mindfulness-based approaches – techniques to build present-moment awareness.
- Medication management – in some cases, prescription medications may be used alongside therapy.
Advantages of Online Counselling
- Convenience: Participate from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere with internet access.
- Accessibility: Especially valuable for rural or remote areas, or those with mobility issues.
- Flexibility: Sessions can be scheduled at convenient times, including evenings and weekends.
- Comfort: Some feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues online.
- Cost-effectiveness: Can be more affordable than in-person therapy.
- Record-keeping: Secure, confidential storage of session notes for tracking progress.
How Online Counselling Works at PSY-FI Solutions
- Finding a therapist: Search for a qualified, licensed mental health professional offering online counselling.
- Scheduling a session: Agree on a convenient time and date together.
- Joining the session: Log in to the platform at the agreed time (typically video conferencing).
- Conducting the session: Just like an in-person session — discuss your concerns and develop strategies together.
- Ending the session: Discuss follow-up actions and schedule your next session.
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