Anxiety cannot be defined as: time, daily problems, first dates, unemployment, illness, breaking up, pregnancy, marriage, planning a party or our holidays! Anxiety is an emotion...at least it is in the beginning!
If our Mind-Body-Emotion triptych could talk to our anxiety, first we would hear our Body’s voice, and then what our Mind and Emotion have to say. Anxiety is first and foremost a physical and then, by extension, a psychological reaction to a threat (stressor), which leads us to fight or flight.
In regards to psychological disorders, this reaction is often generalized, without understanding what the exact threat is. And, sometimes, we react to small threats in the same way we would if it were a matter of life and death. Stress management, then, starts with recognizing our own body language.
All of the symptoms on the list below are a sign of stress. Their frequency and intensity can be measured with a specially designed questionnaire, and only then can we find ways to effectively manage them.
Some common symptoms of stress:
• headache or migraine
• stomach ache
• pain in the back or spine
• tachycardia (rapid heart palpitations)
• cold hands
• over secretion of stomach acids
• diarrhea or constipation
• a feeling of permanent exhaustion
• dry mouth
• tightening in the chest or stomach
• grinding or chattering teeth during sleep
• nausea
• delays in menstruation
• increased or sudden urination
• shaking hands
• short and fast breaths
• sweaty palms, feet and/or armpits
• arrhythmia
• insomnia
Evaluation of one’s physical reactions to stress is done using a special technique, through which we learn to “drop” our tension, maximizing our organism’s capacity. We learn to “live with” and react to the treats that cause us stress by consuming the lowest amount of energy possible.
The education continues with the recognition of the threats (stressors). Almost 70% of successful stress management arises simply from identifying the stressor. Anxiety can lead to serious illnesses, mainly because it has a psychosomatic effect on us. Stress management works as the best prevention against any illnesses that statistically might arise.
One introductory programme to stress management, using the Autogenic Training technique as part of the Integrative Self-Knowledge therapy approach, lasts 5-7 two-hour sessions. Group seminars are conducted roughly once every three months.
If you think that you or someone you know might benefit from a session concerning stress management or some other psychological disorder, get in touch to book an appointment.
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These articles are meant to be psycho-educational. They are not meant as a diagnosis or therapy tool. Their aim is to inform and educate. Article source & copyright: Evy Syrou, Cognitive Psychologist | www.evysyrou.gr
