P a n i c ( w i t h a n d w i t h o u t A g o r a p h o b i a )
Panic is an acute period of intense fear and discomfort accompanied by catastrophic thoughts and various physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, nausea and dizziness. A panic attack typically occurs 'out of the blue' and lasts for a period of 2 to 4 minutes. One may experience more than one panic attack consecutively. Panic disorder is characterised by recurrent panic attacks. Panic may or may not be accompanied by Agoraphobia; avoidance of situations or places from which escape may be embarrassing or difficult.
S o c i a l A n x i e t y D i s o r d e r ( S A D ) / S o c i a l P h o b i a
SAD is a persistent fear of being watched and judged by others and fear of acting in some way that will be humiliating or embarrassing. This anxiety disorder can be severely disabling; interfering with daily activities and preventing speaking or performing in public.
O b e s s i v e C o m p u l s i v e D i s o r d e r ( O C D )
OCD comprises both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions consist of involuntary, recurrent, persistent and intrusive images or thoughts, which are accompanied by anxious feelings. Compulsions are voluntary, repetitive, ritualised behaviours, which are employed to help reduce anxious feelings. Individuals with OCD know that their behaviours are irrational but find it difficult to stop. Typical behaviours include: constant checking, washing, counting and rearranging objects into a specific order.
G e n e r a l i s e d A n x i e t y D i s o r d e r ( G A D )
GAD typically comprises persistent worry. The associated symptoms may increase or decrease in intensity but tend to occur more days than not. Individuals with GAD describe themselves as tense, nervous and continuously on edge. Worries typically centre around health, money, family, work, the past and the future. GAD can be made worse by stressful events. Individuals with GAD may feel that the slightest of things seem overwhelming.
S p e c i f i c P h o b i a
Specific phobia is an irrational fear of certain situations or objects. These can include, flying, heights, injections, blood, animals and insects, among others. Many people have mild phobias, but for some, phobias can be severely debilitating.
B u r n o u t , S t r e s s a n d R e s i l i e n c e T r a i n i n g
Stress is necessary for our survival. It can alert us to potential threats or dangers in our environment, it motivates us and helps us to cope with our daily demands. Too little stress, however, can leave one feeling demotivated. Too much stress or chronic stress, on the other hand, can result in emotional and physical exhaustion or 'burnout'. Burnout can present similarly to depression, severely affecting one's ability to function on a daily basis.
A n g e r M a n a g e m e n t a n d A s s e r t i v e n e s s T r a i n i n g
Anger is a normal reaction to perceived hurt and injustice, however, if anger is excessive or uncontrollable and is interfering with your interpersonal relationships, this can be problematic. Assertiveness, amongst other things, can be a useful alternative to 'problematic' anger.
C o m f o r t E a t i n g a n d O b e s i t y
Individuals who look to food as a source of comfort or eat to get rid of negative and distressing feelings are seen as 'emotional eaters'. In this case, eating is employed as a coping mechanism. Emotional eaters may find themselves stuck in a cycle they find too difficult to break away from.
I n s o m n i a
Insomnia is characterised by difficulty falling and / or staying asleep. Sleep is generally non-restorative and leads to impairment in daytime functioning.
R e l a x a t i o n T e c h n i q u e s
Relaxation techniques help to relieve stress and manage anxiety symptoms. These techniques also have a positive effect on sleep and general well-being.
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