Anxiety disorder is a prevalent issue worldwide, affecting people’s health and well-being in several ways. It’s a mental health problem with complex layers, impacting not only work but also personal lives, causing considerable amounts of stress and emotional upset. This mental health issue significantly disrupts daily functioning and can make even the simplest of tasks challenging. However, talking therapies can be remarkably effective in addressing anxiety, reducing symptoms and uncovering the root causes of the issues. Regardless of the source of your anxiety, help is available through therapy.
Dr Mariam Majid is a psychologist based in Newcastle Upon Tyne who specialises in anxiety therapy. As a registered anxiety psychologist, Dr Majid offers self-referral therapy, drawing from her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). In a safe and supportive environment, she can help you to better understand your mental health and develop strategies to overcome the challenges you’re facing. This post aims to provide insights into generalised anxiety disorder and the therapeutic approaches that can benefit you.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety manifests through a range of physical and emotional symptoms, intertwining to create a significant impact on your daily life and well-being. Some common symptoms include;
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Physical Symptoms
Physically, anxiety can present in a range of ways, including an increase in heart rate and heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest, which may mimic symptoms of a heart attack. These symptoms stem from the body’s heightened state of alertness, prompted by surges of adrenaline preparing you to ‘fight or flight’ from perceived threats.
People with anxiety may experience persistent muscle tension, leading to discomfort and stiffness, as well as panic attacks, trembling or shaking, profuse sweating, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as stomach cramps or nausea. These physical symptoms highlight the connection between mental and physical well-being, and how much anxiety can affect every aspect of your health and functioning.
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Emotional Symptoms
Emotionally, anxiety can evoke a persistent sense of worry, fear, or impending doom, casting a shadow over everyday experiences. People may find themselves trapped in a cycle of irrational thoughts or scenarios, unable to shake off a feeling of imminent danger despite the absence of any tangible threat.
Anxiety can also lead to increased irritability and restlessness, making minor inconveniences seem overwhelming and preventing people from finding relief from their thoughts and feelings. Heightened sensitivity to stimuli further exacerbates emotional distress, impacting relationships and hindering concentration. These emotional indicators underscore the pervasive nature of anxiety, influencing various aspects of your well-being and emphasising the necessity for effective intervention and support.
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Common Reasons for Developing Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can arise from various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, traumatic experiences, self esteem and ongoing life challenges. Additionally, personality traits, such as perfectionism or excessive worrying, may contribute to the development of anxiety. Sometimes, other mental health issues like low self esteem or work stress can cause anxiety too and things such as hormonal fluctuations can influence anxiety levels.
What Type of Therapy Can Help With Anxiety?
Several types of therapy and anxiety counselling services have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing anxiety, offering tailored approaches to managing symptoms and promoting resilience.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – CBT is a structured therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging maladaptive thought patterns and behaviours contributing to anxiety. By uncovering and modifying negative thought processes, you can learn practical coping strategies to effectively manage your anxiety. Through collaborative efforts, cognitive behavioural therapy empowers you to develop healthier perspectives and adaptive responses to anxiety triggers, promoting long-term resilience and well-being.
- Mindfulness-based approaches – Alongside cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based interventions like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) are also very efficient in managing symptoms. This approach teaches you to consciously pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgement. By incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathwork, you can develop greater resilience to stressors and cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm amidst anxiety-inducing circumstances.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) – EMDR therapy is a specialised approach that targets underlying traumatic experiences and negative cognitions contributing to heightened distress in anxiety disorders. Through a structured protocol involving bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps, EMDR facilitates the processing of distressing memories. EMDR therapy empowers you to regain a sense of control over your narrative, improving resilience and providing coping strategies for navigating future challenges with confidence.
Why Choose Dr Mariam Majid?
Dr Mariam Majid in Newcastle Upon Tyne is a highly qualified clinical psychologist in Newcastle Upon Tyne with over 20 years of experience in anxiety counselling services. Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited with the British Psychological Society for Behavioral and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), Dr. Majid is proficient in various taking therapies and evidence based therapeutic approaches.
With extensive experience in treating a wide range of psychological issues, including but not limited to Generalised Anxiety and Depression, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Panic Disorder, Dr Majid offers expert talking therapy service tailored to individual needs. Her goal is to help you overcome your mental health problems and improve day-to-day functioning through talking therapy interventions like CBT, MBCT and EMDR.
Dr Majid in Newcastle Upon Tyne offers a confidential, private, and comfortable space for individuals to discuss their anxiety and explore adaptive coping strategies with anxiety counselling services. Whether you’re struggling with social anxiety symptoms, or other challenges like eating disorders, panic disorder, anxiety attacks, stress, low mood, PTSD, or relationship issues, Dr Majid is dedicated to helping you navigate your challenges and facilitate positive changes in your life.
Get in Touch With Dr Mariam Majid for an Experienced and Professional Anxiety Psychologist
If you or someone you know could benefit from anxiety therapy or counselling services, Dr Mariam Majid is here to help. To discuss therapy or counselling services for anxiety or schedule a free 10-minute telephone consultation, you can get in touch today. Dr Majid offers flexible appointments, including weekday, weekend, and evening sessions, both face-to-face and online, to accommodate your needs. Located in Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, her practice provides a supportive environment where you can reclaim control over your anxiety and enhance your well-being. To contact Dr Mariam Majid in Newcastle Upon Tyne don’t hesitate to call 07505 632 399 or email mmajid05@aol.com.
