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We all occasionally feel some degree of anxiety. However, when the feeling is intense and sticks around, or appears for no reason, you may need to seek help. Here we look at anxiety and the treatment available.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and uncomfortable situations, but when it takes over our lives, it becomes problematic. It can be a heavy burden to bear, both for the person suffering and their loved ones. Fortunately, there are ways to make the difficult easier.

You are not alone in living with anxiety

In a 2023 survey done by the UK Office for National Statistics, 23.4% of people reported ‘high levels’ of anxiety. Even if you are not currently suffering from a level of anxiety that hinders everyday life, it is worth considering how to prevent more serious symptoms.

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Signs that it might be time to seek help

Experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing or a constant feeling of discomfort, can be signs of anxiety. In many cases, physical symptoms can also include stomach problems or headaches, nausea and chest pressure.

Persistent worry about social situations (social anxiety) or general unease preventing you from enjoying life can also be signs. Understanding these symptoms are not just ‘in your head’ but actual signals from your body can be the first step towards improvement. If you would like more in-depth information, visit the NHS webpage on mental health. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/

Different therapies and options for you

Talk therapy is often the first step in getting help with anxiety. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for various forms of anxiety. Pharmaceutical options include anti-anxiety medication, but these should be used as a complementary treatment.


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How therapy can help with anxiety

Talking to a professional therapist gives you tools to understand and manage your symptoms. It can significantly improve your quality of life and make it easier to cope with day-to-day stresses and pressures.

The benefits of seeking help

Professional help acts to remove the drama out of anxiety, it also reduces it. Instead of feeling unsure about how to deal with it, therapists teach you concrete methods and steps to improve your situation. Help is completely confidential and our therapists are trained to deal with your particular problem in a professional manner.


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Choose a brighter future

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. By making an active choice to get the support you need, your life situation can improve. Professional help is available and is an important step in making your life brighter and more manageable. When you are ready to take the first step, we make it simple to book a session with our therapists and psychologists. Booking an initial session can be a good way to start. Feel what it’s like to speak with a professional. We are here, ready to make the difficult easier.


9 common questions about anxiety

What is anxiety and how is it defined?

Anxiety is a natural emotional reaction to stressful situations. It is the body’s way of warning you of a potential danger. It becomes problematic when it prevents you from living a normal life.

What are the most common physical symptoms of anxiety?

Heart palpitations, rapid breathing, sweating and difficulty concentrating are common symptoms.

How does anxiety differ from stress or worry?

Stress is a reaction to external pressures, while anxiety is usually an internal feeling. Worry is a lighter form of anxiety.

What are the different types of anxiety disorders?

There are many different types of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder and specific phobias. Each type requires a unique treatment approach and an experienced therapist can help you identify and manage your specific type of anxiety.

How can I support someone close to me who suffers from anxiety?

Listen, be present and encourage professional help.

What treatment methods are available for anxiety?

Therapy, medication and lifestyle changes are common methods to effectively treat anxiety.

How can I manage my anxiety without medication?

Mindfulness, physical activity and talk therapy are all good ways to learn how to manage your anxiety.

What are the long-term effects of untreated anxiety?

Untreated anxiety can lead to depression and other mental health problems.

How much does therapy at Lavendla cost?

The cost of therapy varies depending on the therapist and the length of session. Sessions generally cost between €30 – €100. Find out about our therapists’ prices on their profile pages.

Anxiety treatment steps to improve quality of life

We are all different and deal with anxiety in own ways. Therefore, it is important to understand your anxiety behaviour and work with a therapist to treat it correctly. To give you some idea of how talk therapy treatment for anxiety works, below are the most common steps:

  1. Exploring your problem
    During the initial stage of treatment, your therapist will help you understand your specific anxiety condition. Together you will review the situations that cause you anxiety and identify the symptoms you are experiencing.
  2. Setting your own goals
    Once the problem has been identified, you and your therapist will work together to set clear and realistic goals for the therapy process. Goals can range from improving your general well-being to dealing effectively with specific triggers.
  3. Changing your behaviour
    This step relies on you actively working on your behaviour. You will need to do various exercises and use techniques designed to break the behavioural patterns that exacerbate your anxiety.
  4. Closure
    Once you have found your new behavioural patterns, you and your therapist will evaluate how close you are to your goal. When the therapy is complete, work on exercises and good habits usually continue after treatment.

Written by Dominic Wardall

Dominic is a Cape Town-based copywriter and editor with extensive background and studies in psychology. Dominic is a central part of the articles written on Lavendla.