Psychotherapy

As a mental health professional, I have many patients who come to me feeling ashamed or embarrassed about feeling low, anxious, or panic. I want to take a moment to talk about this, as I believe it is an incredibly important topic that needs to be addressed.

I want to emphasize that it is completely normal to experience these emotions at some point in your life, especially if you are going through a tough time or facing a significant life change. In fact, according to statistics, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year.

There are differences between anxiety, depression, and panic:

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.

Depression is a persistent low mood that affects a person’s daily life.

Panic is a sudden episode of intense fear that can lead to physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shaking.

It’s crucial to know that seeking help for these feelings is a positive thing to do, and you are not alone. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to mental health services for support. There are also many great books available that can provide more information and help you better understand what you’re going through.

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as the first-line treatment for anxiety, depression and panic. CBT is a form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their mental health problems.

Feeling low, anxious, or panic at some point in your life is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. If you are experiencing these emotions, reach out for help, and remember that you are not alone.