Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human response to perceived danger or stress, designed to help us stay alert and prepared. However, when anxiety becomes frequent, intense, or overwhelming, it can interfere with daily life. People with anxiety may experience constant worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, or physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, or shortness of breath. These reactions can occur even when there is no immediate threat, making everyday situations feel exhausting or frightening. Over time, anxiety can limit confidence, affect relationships, and reduce a person’s ability to enjoy life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a well-established psychological approach that can be very effective in helping people manage anxiety. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are closely connected. When someone experiences anxiety, they may develop unhelpful thinking patterns, such as assuming the worst will happen or overestimating danger. These thoughts can increase anxious feelings and lead to avoidance behaviours, which then reinforce the anxiety.

CBT helps by teaching individuals to identify and challenge these unhelpful thoughts. Instead of automatically believing anxious predictions, people learn to question their accuracy and replace them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. CBT also focuses on behaviour, encouraging gradual exposure to feared situations in a safe and structured way. This helps reduce avoidance and allows individuals to build confidence through experience.

In addition, CBT provides practical coping strategies, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, and ways to manage physical symptoms of anxiety. Over time, these tools can help people feel more in control of their reactions. Rather than eliminating anxiety completely, CBT aims to reduce its intensity and impact, empowering individuals to respond to challenges with greater calm and resilience.