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What is Anxiety?
People experiencing anxiety tend to worry about many things each day and can be consumed with worry over a variety of issues from social engagements to financial or safety concerns. People who experience this are usually aware that they worry far too much and wish desperately that they could stop worrying to help improve the quality of their daily life.
For a person to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), meaning the condition is perceived to be a ‘disorder’ instead of a ‘universal human emotion’, they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months.
Other common anxiety disorders are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social phobia, panic disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hypochondriasis and somatoform disorder. Separation anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder are also common types of this mental health condition. Specific therapy and treatment exist for all types of anxiety.
What are some of the possible symptoms?
- Constant thoughts that something bad is about to happen
- Constant worry that they are not doing things correctly
- Constantly asking questions and seeking reassurance
- Perfectionism
- Being argumentative, especially if they are trying to avoid a feared situation
- Dwelling on mistakes and worrying about a change in routine and unfamiliar places
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Panic attacks
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Diarrhoea
What causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be a result of external circumstances such as relationship problems with a partner, family or friends, work-related stress, loss of job, financial problems, loss of a loved one and any other challenging situation that life may bring. It can also be caused by specific phobia and other medical conditions.
Anxiety can also be a side-effect of certain medications, or a by-product of a physical illness, chronic condition, disability or traumatic event. Some people may have a genetic disposition for anxiety if mental health challenges are present in the family or because they grew up around anxious people. It is advised to work with a health professional such as a counsellor to uncover the root-cause of the anxiety.
How is anxiety treated?
Anxiety has been described as one of the most treatable of all mental health conditions – full recovery is possible. To treat anxiety, there are several treatment options available and most include:
- Psychological therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven to be most effective for general anxiety as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours
- Medications such as anti-depressants
- Relaxation therapy and deep breathing exercises
- Self-help and support groups, as people discover they are not alone and may find support in other people with similar issues
How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have.
SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental health challenges.
