Are you the kind of person who always anticipates a worst-case scenario, overthinks an event or conversation, or can’t sleep because your mind won’t switch off? Anxiety comes in many forms.; sometimes fleetingly, and at other times picking away at your emotional and physical health.
A certain amount of anxiety or apprehension is quite normal; before an exam, moving house or starting a new job. But usually, those feelings will disappear once the event has passed. More worrying is when those feelings escalate, and you’re unable to sleep, everything seems out of control and you may even experience panic attacks. The fight or flight response is literally on overdrive.
It is estimated there were 8.2m cases of anxiety in the UK in 2013.*
Women are nearly twice as likely to experience anxiety as men, and people of both sexes under 35 are more likely to be affected than older people, according research that combined evidence from 48 previous reviews of studies into the condition. Research also found that those suffering from chronic diseases including cancer, stroke and multiple sclerosis have a higher chance of experiencing symptoms of anxiety than healthy individuals.*
Sufferers could experience any of the following:
- Physical symptoms, such as palpitations and sweating
- Cognitive symptoms, causing negative thoughts
- Behavioural symptoms, which may include uncharacteristic aggression or avoiding social interaction
- Emotional symptoms, such as fear and dread
Living with anxiety can be very distressing and whether your anxiety is mild and short-lived or more entrenched, acupuncture can really help. Acupuncture is able to jump-start your body’s own natural healing processes, and stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotions. It can also slow the body’s production of stress hormones, calming the mind and supporting better sleep. The calming effects may be felt after just one treatment.
There is still a stigma around experiencing any kind of mental health issue, but it’s no different from other health problems. With an empathetic practitioner you trust, acupuncture can complement any conventional medication or therapy you may be undergoing, or work as a standalone treatment.
Ask for the help you need and enjoy a good night’s sleep again.
*Source: The Guardian
Read J’s experience of acupuncture for anxiety:
https://peachyacupuncture.com/2016/05/29/js-story-acute-case-anxiety/
