What Is Anxiety? - 11 symptoms & how to treat them

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SPOKE is the?UK’s leading music-led mental wellness app.?We are driven by world-class producers, artists and lyricists who have been trained by our scientific team and process.?The app is deeply personalised, helping you with everything from sleep to heartbreak, confidence and focus. For any time of day, every mood and every intention. You can download our app here.

Now that we've got you up to speed, onto our article...

This week's theme is all about anxiety, symptoms of anxiety and how to deal with them.

It sometimes feels like we are in a time where the word “anxiety” has just become a buzzword.

Simplified to encompass almost every negative mood that is not depression (another clinical term that has, in some ways, seen a lot of its definition convoluted).

Though we know the nonchalant use of anxiety continues to spread, a fundamental question becomes; what actually is anxiety? “There’s nothing to fear except fear itself,” right? What’s the difference between fear and anxiety?

Luckily for us, CBT Therapist and Life Coach, Paris Capleton has some answers:?

“That feeling you get before an exam, before the first date, meeting with your manager, misplacing your wallet, or presenting in front of strangers.”

Yup, that’s anxiety.

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, apprehension, or fear. It can be difficult to pinpoint where the perceived threat stems from because it is not always an immediate danger, but more prolonged.

Put it this way,?anxiety is what you feel the night before the incident, fear is what you feel during the incident.?

Anxiety symptoms can be broken into physiological and psychological symptoms - both of which prepare our bodies to respond to danger.

“Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life, but it may become a problem when it causes significant distress or interferes with your functioning.”

A few ways we seek to ameliorate the feeling of anxiety include:

• Cognitive reframing: reshaping the perceived risk
• Visualisations: Give yourself something else to focus on and bring you back to a comfortable space
• Breathing: regulating your breathing is proven to change your mental and emotional position

We’ve asked the SPOKE community for what helps them the most when they feel most anxious. Here’s what they had to say:

'Listening to music from SPOKE which I know soothes me'

'Focusing on my breathing and surroundings'

'Taking time out - Watching my favourite tv show'

'Meditating, moving my body (yoga, walk etc)'

'Taking a real break by shutting off from social media'

'Mentally taking a step back from the situation. Usually, I think through why the feelings came on'

There are plenty more and the truth is that not all of them will work for everyone, you need to give them a try to really know what fits your lifestyle and personality.?

Over time we’ll probably reference anxiety, stress, and fear a fair amount. Hopefully, this has provided enough insight into the basics. The future may be uncertain at times, for some it can often be filled with doubt and anxiety about what is uncertain. Asking "what if" takes you away from "what is" happening at this very moment in time. What is gives you back the power of the present. The only time is now. You’re exactly where you need to at this moment in time.

Recommended SPOKE episode: “The Future” by Lemzi, Morgan Munroe and Paris Capleton

Have a listen to this SPOKE episode to help you tackle any anxiety you may be feeling. Produced by Daniel Miles and Jacob McKenzie and performed by Lemzi, Morgan Munroe and Paris Capleton this track is not only upbeat but is also bound to make you feel motivated in building your confidence and self-belief to accomplish your goals.

Click here to have a listen of 'The Future' track on the SPOKE app.

This Week's Words of Wisdom???

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength — carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

— Corrie ten Boom

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Peace & Love,

Team?SPOKE