Anxiety
Learn about Anxiety
Everyone feels anxious occasionally. However, when these feelings persist, occur without any specific reason, or make it difficult to cope with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety condition.
In Australia, anxiety conditions affect 1 in 4 people, and they are treatable.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. While stress and anxious feelings are common responses to pressure and usually subside once the stressful situation resolves, anxiety is different.
Anxiety occurs when these feelings persist and may not have a clear cause. For those living with anxiety, these feelings can be difficult to manage and can significantly impact daily life.
In Australia, 3 million people are living with anxiety, making it the most common mental health condition in the country. One in four people will experience anxiety at some point in their lives.
Anxiety signs and symptoms
Anxiety symptoms can develop over time. Because we all experience anxious feelings, it can be hard to know when to seek support.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety can include:
- feeling very worried or anxious most of the time
- finding it difficult to calm down
- unable to control your anxious thoughts or worries
- feeling tired easily
- difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- muscle tension
- sleep disturbances.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with distinct symptoms and treatment approaches.
Common types include social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Numerous evidence-based treatments are available for anxiety, encompassing therapy and medication. Taking the initial step towards recovery might be challenging.
We offer resources to assist you if you’re experiencing anxious feelings, have received an anxiety diagnosis, or are supporting someone with anxiety.
Treatments for anxiety:
Effective treatments for anxiety include medication and therapy. Discovering the appropriate treatment and support can aid in learning how to manage anxiety.
Finding mental health support:
Your GP can serve as an excellent starting point for discussing your mental health concerns. Additionally, we can assist you in accessing other support options tailored to your needs, such as speaking with our counselors or locating a mental health professional in your area.
Similar to adults, children and young people can also face mental health challenges like anxiety. As a parent or caregiver, it’s beneficial to understand:
- The signs of anxiety that may manifest in a child or young person.
- How to initiate a conversation with them about your concerns regarding their mental health.
- The available support options.
