We have a tendency to regard anxiety as being a modern condition, perhaps a result of the stress of everyday modern living. But it was as long ago as 1621 that Oxford scholar Robert Burton wrote “Many lamentable effects this fear causeth in man, as to be red, pale, tremble, sweat; it makes sudden cold and heat come over all the body, palpitation of the heart, syncope, etc. It amazeth many men that are to speak or show themselves in public.”(i).

Yes, panic attacks, fear of public speaking and social phobia were all very much "a thing" as long ago as the 17th. century.

The incidence of anxiety and related conditions has, though, increased over the years and the amount of people presenting to Accident and Emergency departments with chest pains, shortness of breath and even a feeling of imminent death, has tripled in recent times. This has become such a common occurrence that a test has been developed to quickly distinguish an actual cardiac event from psychosomatic symptoms(ii). And whilst THESE SYMPTOMS MUST BE CHECKED OUT BY A DOCTOR WITHOUT DELAY*, most cases do turn out to be symptoms of anxiety.

Though this diagnosis may be reassuring, it does raise more questions - What is wrong with me, then? Why do I feel this way? Am I going mad?

Again, you can be reassured that anxiety is a normal defence mechanism which kept us safe from predators in early times and although it doesn't seem like it, it's what your subconscious mind is still trying to do today. In times of danger, the flight or fight response kicks in, increasing blood flow to the muscles and slowing down unnecessary processes such as digestion and reproduction. All is restored after the danger has passed but sometimes this process is interrupted and the body remains "stuck" in this mode. Hence we see long-term symptoms of high blood pressure, IBS or sexual malfunction; or the feelings of anxiety may be triggered by certain events or circumstances, resulting in phobias. 

Another source of anxiety can be the way in which we live. We are nowadays far removed from the environment in which we evolved and society - or even family - can place many demands on us to be people we are not. Any difference between who we are and how we feel we should be can cause many difficulties.

Likewise, negative conditioning in our early, formative years can have the same effect. 

*If you have chest pains, do not rely on any advice from this site until you have been given the all clear by a relevant medical professional*

(i) Burton R. The Anatomy of Melancholy, London, UK: 1621 (Google Scholar)

(ii) https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/oct/08/test-rules-out-heart-attacks-in-two-thirds-suffering-chest-pains

(iii) The Efficacy of Hypnosis as a Treatment for Anxiety

Anxiety or stress?

Anxiety and stress are closely related but easily distinguishable with anxiety being centred on the future, a worry of what might happen or even what probably never will happen. A lot of people know their fears are not logical.  It may be that it is a learned fear based on an experience in the past. 

Stress is more about the here and now, overload, burnout or dealing constantly with difficult circumstances.

Again, it is a question of balance as we all need a little stress to motivate us at some point in our lives. Let's face it, how many things would not get done in this world without life giving us a kick up the backside now and again?

But, as with anxiety, too much can be as bad, or worse than, too little. 

A study by YouGov on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation in 2019 found that 74% of people had at some point in the previous year felt overwhelmed or unable to cope, with a surprisingly high 32% having suicidal thoughts as a consequence (i).

Since then...

Stress is then a widespread and potentially serious problem leading in the long term to problems with the cardiac, digestive or immune systems, skin conditions and even self-harm.

Anxiety

Depression

Which one

How it produces physical symptoms

Taking exercise, eating healthily and making lifestyle changes all help but ultimately, we need to change the way we think and the way we react to life events - which will happen, whether we like it or not. 

Emotional Intelligence is the raising of awareness of emotions and the effect they have both on the self and others. People with higher EI (or sometimes referred to Emotional Quotient) are known to suffer less from stress and stress related illnesses.

As a certified Anxiety and Panic Specialist I offer hypnotherapy with Emotional Freedom Techniques, mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence strategies for stress management over 4 sessions at a fee of £50 per session.  

As always, a free, no obligation introductory consultation is available or I'm happy to receive any queries you might have via email here or by phone or text on 07761 198 504 

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Please note, stress shares many symptoms with those of other conditions, don't forget to get them checked out by your doctor.

(i). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/news/stressed-nation-74-uk-overwhelmed-or-unable-cope-some-point-past-year

-al