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Anxiety can be understood as a self-created experience of fear that is derived from focusing on unwanted future events. At its worst, anxiety can be paralyzing. It takes away our spontaneity for joy and the energy for fulfilling our dreams. We can focus on the negativity of a situation which drives us further into unpleasant bodily sensations and catastrophic thinking.
The cause for our anxiety may be apparent, from an increasing unachievable workload or an imminent critical presentation. Sometimes the reason for these unpleasant feelings are harder to understand. Anxiety is there to keep us safe but when we wish to grow and develop, our subconscious mind may perceive this as a threat to our survival. It is very normal to experience anxiety from time to time as we exceed our self-proposed comfort zones although to remain in this physiological state for long periods of time will be damaging to our physical and psychological well being.
What does a higher score mean?
You may worry about things and find yourself fearing the worst in a situation, this will make you risk averse and more considered when making decisions.
Use this checklist for self-evaluation
What does a balanced score mean?
You may have concerns but also feel excitement about new situations. You have an understanding and a curiosity about new challenges that encourages you to fulfill your potential regardless of sometimes feeling fear.
Use this checklist for self-evaluation
What does a lower score mean?
You do not worry about things and rarely experience anxiety. You don’t experience stress and generally stay out of stressful situations.
Use this checklist for self-evaluation
Written by:
Simone Smith, Psychotherapist
Ba Hons Dip Couns NCS registered
