Anxiety

What happens when you feel anxious? Do your hands sweat, do your thoughts race or perhaps your heart beats rapidly? These are all reactions we can experience when we are anxious, but for some people their anxiety is so intense that it stops them from functioning. If you are one of these people, life doesn’t have to be like this, you can beat it.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in Australia. Nearly one in 10 people will experience some type of anxiety disorder in any one year – around one in 12 women and one in eight men. One in four people will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage of their lives.

Jeff's experience with anxiety post a heart attack

Types of anxiety disorders

There are many different types of anxiety disorders. Most people have heard of specific phobias, such as intense fear of spiders or flying, or perhaps even an injection. In contrast, people with Generalised Anxiety Disorder feel anxious most of the time and this can make carrying out everyday activities difficult.  Depending on the intensity and frequency of symptoms, people who experience anxiety tend to avoid people, places or situations that might bring on the unpleasant thoughts and feelings.

In addition to Generalised Anxiety Disorder, there are other specific anxiety disorders. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by unwanted and ongoing thoughts and fears that can make people feel they need to do certain acts (such as cleaning) in order to lessen their anxiety. On the other hand, people who experience panic attacks have intense feelings of uncontrollable anxiety, often accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart beat and sensations of choking and/or nausea.  In fact, it is not uncommon for people having a panic attack to fear they might be dying or experiencing a serious physical health problem.  

There are many other types of anxiety disorders which are characterised by disturbances to our thinking (such as thoughts racing, poor concentration, constant and distressing thoughts) and our feelings (such as persistent and irrational fears). Physical reactions, including trembling, sweating, faintness, rapid heart beat, difficulties breathing and/or nausea also tend to be common to all anxiety disorders.

For more information, the beyondblue website provides detailed information about the different types of anxiety disorders. If you think that you have an anxiety disorder, Anxiety Online offers online assessment and treatment options.  

Managing your anxiety

If you find that you often experience anxiety symptoms, whether or not you have an anxiety disorder, there is a range of self-help strategies, often focused on stress management and relaxation, that can help. A healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, healthy eating habits and avoiding drugs and alcohol, can also be of benefit. The beyondblue website has more information available about self-help strategies.

For people with an anxiety disorder, treatment is generally focused on psychological approaches, with the ultimate goal being to change the person’s response patterns. Reducing the intensity of one’s reaction to situations can lead to recovery and also help prevent the illness from returning. Some people also benefit from medication. Learning more about the options can help you to make informed decisions about what treatment is best for you. Your doctor, beyondblue or one of the anxiety recovery support agencies (link to useful links page) can help you to review your options. If you don’t have a regular doctor, beyondblue has a directory of doctors with expertise in treating common mental health problems.

Helping someone who is anxious

What do you normally do to support people who are close to you? Do you sit and listen, let them know that you care, share positive experiences and provide helpful information? Well, that is what people with anxiety disorders need, too. While they might need encouragement to see an appropriate health professional, knowing that they have your support can help them face their challenges.  

A specialist talks about anxiety

Doctor Grant Blashki, a GP and mental health researcher talks about ways to manage anxiety.

What is anxiety?

What causes anxiety?

How do you treat anxiety?

Want to know more?

To help you find out more about anxiety, its causes, prevention and management we have put together some relevant anxiety links and resources. 

This article is based on information sourced from beyondblue: the national depression initiative.