Resources
Educational resources on anxiety, panic, OCD, phobias and wellbeing for individuals, athletes and organisations. TRT Therapy is centred on Oliva, with enquiries welcomed along the coast to Alicante. Online, one-to-one, group and residential formats can be discussed.
Anxiety can involve physical symptoms such as tension, fatigue and a racing heart, as well as worry or intrusive thoughts. These experiences can be distressing, and new or concerning physical symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Learning about anxiety can help you make sense of what you are experiencing and consider what support may be useful.
A panic attack can involve sudden intense fear alongside symptoms such as chest discomfort, a racing heart or breathlessness. These sensations can be frightening and may resemble other health problems. Learning about panic can be helpful, but seek medical advice for new or concerning symptoms rather than assuming they are caused by anxiety.
Pure-O is an informal term often used for OCD involving distressing intrusive thoughts and mainly mental compulsions rather than obvious external rituals. People may worry that their thoughts reveal something about their character, but having an unwanted thought is not the same as intending to act on it. A qualified clinician can help assess symptoms and discuss appropriate support.
Social anxiety involves intense fear or distress in situations where someone may feel observed or judged. It is different from simply preferring quieter settings, and it can affect relationships, work and everyday activities. Understanding the pattern can be a first step toward finding support that suits you.
For many people with anxiety, mornings are the hardest part of the day. Waking brings immediate dread — a wave of anxiety before the eyes are fully open, a racing heart, racing thoughts, or a deep sense that something is wrong. If this is your experience, you are not alone, and there is a clear physiological explanation for why anxiety peaks in the morning — one that points directly toward recovery.
Emetophobia — the intense, persistent fear of vomiting — affects an estimated 1.7 to 3.1% of the population, making it one of the most common specific phobias. Despite its prevalence, it is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and overlooked by mainstream healthcare. Many people with emetophobia live for years without recognising that their pattern of avoidance, food restriction, and hypervigilance constitutes a diagnosable and treatable anxiety condition.
Health anxiety — sometimes called hypochondria, though that term is now considered outdated — is characterised by a persistent, excessive preoccupation with having or developing a serious illness. It is one of the most common anxiety presentations, and one of the most miserable to live with: the mind constantly scanning the body for symptoms; every ache, twitch, and sensation interpreted through the lens of worst-case medical scenarios; a compulsive need to seek reassurance through doctor visits, symptom searches, and physical checking that provides only moments of relief before the cycle begins again.
Agoraphobia is often understood too narrowly as a fear of open spaces. It can involve fear or avoidance of places where escape might feel difficult or help might not be available if panic-like symptoms occur. For some people, the resulting avoidance can gradually restrict everyday activities and independence.
Intrusive thoughts — unwanted, disturbing mental images or ideas that arrive without invitation — are the defining feature of OCD that causes the most distress and the most shame. Thoughts about harming loved ones. Thoughts about taboo sexual acts. Thoughts about blasphemy, contamination, or causing accidents through negligence. The very nature of these thoughts makes sufferers reluctant to speak about them, which feeds the shame and isolation that OCD thrives on.
People seek help for anxiety in different ways, and medication is one option that may be discussed with a prescribing clinician. Psychological therapies and practical supports are other options, sometimes used alongside medication. Choices depend on symptoms, preferences, health history and clinical advice; medication should not be started, changed or stopped without consulting a qualified professional.
Panic disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and ongoing worry about further attacks or their consequences. Different support options may be considered, and a qualified healthcare professional can help assess symptoms and discuss care based on an individual's circumstances and preferences.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Experiences that may be associated with trauma include accidents, assault, abuse, medical emergencies and other events involving serious threat. PTSD is not a sign of weakness. Assessment and support from a qualified professional can help people understand their symptoms and consider next steps.
Agoraphobia can have a significant effect on daily life. Some people find it difficult to leave home, while others avoid particular routes, places or situations. The pattern and impact vary, and a qualified professional can help assess symptoms and discuss appropriate support.
Anorexia nervosa involves complex factors relating to eating, weight, body image, physical health and emotional wellbeing. Anxiety may be present for some people, but eating disorders have varied causes and cannot be reduced to a single explanation. Understanding possible connections can support a more informed conversation with qualified professionals.
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating and compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, laxative misuse, excessive exercise or fasting. Emotional distress and anxiety may be part of the experience for some people, but the causes and maintaining factors are complex and individual. Specialist assessment can help identify appropriate support.
A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms. It can be frightening, especially when symptoms are unfamiliar or recur. This article describes common experiences and patterns; if symptoms are new, severe or concerning, seek medical advice rather than assuming they are panic.
Derealisation is an experience in which the external world may feel unreal, distant or dreamlike. It can occur alongside anxiety, but it can have different causes. If this experience is new, persistent or worrying, speak with a healthcare professional who can assess it and discuss appropriate support.
Depersonalisation is an experience of feeling detached from one's mind, body or sense of self. People may describe feeling as if they are watching themselves from a distance or that their thoughts feel unfamiliar. It can occur in different contexts, including anxiety, and should be discussed with a healthcare professional if it is persistent or distressing.
Anxiety can arise or worsen after the birth of a child, and may involve persistent worry, panic symptoms or intrusive thoughts. These experiences can be distressing and should not be dismissed. A healthcare professional can help assess what is happening and discuss support that takes account of the needs of both parent and baby.
Derealisation and depersonalisation can feel unsettling and difficult to describe. Some people experience them alongside anxiety, but there can be different contributing factors. A healthcare professional can help assess persistent or distressing symptoms and discuss appropriate support.
