Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Everybody experiences anxiety at times. Anxiety can be quite useful in helping us avoid dangerous situations and motivating us to solve everyday problems. An Anxiety Disorder is different to normal stress, tension and anxiety. Anxiety Disorders are more severe, longer lasting and interfere with work and relationships.
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders can vary in severity from mild uneasiness to intermittent levels of anxiety, feeling out of control or to a terrifying panic attack.
Anxiety is the most common mental illness in Australia.
There are many types of Anxiety Disorders, some common ones are:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias including Social Phobia and Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)
Did you know?
- Many people with Anxiety do not realise there are ways to treat or deal with it
- 14% of Australians age 16-85 will suffer from an Anxiety Disorder, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007)
- Only 38% of people with an Anxiety Disorder seek professional help
- Anxiety can show in a variety of ways both psychological and behavioural
Find out more:
- Feeling anxious? Try some simple checklists for common types of Anxiety Disorders (opens in a new window)
- General symptoms of Anxiety (opens in a new window)
- Symptoms of a panic attack (opens in a new window)
- What causes Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders(opens in a new window)
What can help?
Anxiety can be helped with a range of medical, psychological and alternative approaches and treatments. Any of these may help with Anxiety but it’s important to consult a mental health professional, counsellor or your doctor to determine what might work best for you.
Psychological treatments have been found to be the most effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders. They not only help in recovery but can prevent a recurrence of the Anxiety. These treatments can be administered by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health worker or counsellor.
Alternative approaches can also be helpful. Many people self manage Anxiety through exercise, relaxation therapy, massage and reading self-help books and websites.
Medical treatments and medications can also be helpful for some people. This option should be discussed with your doctor.
» Find out more about treatments for Anxiety (opens in a new window)
