Understanding Anxiety

A Guide to Recognising and Managing Your Symptoms

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. While stress and anxious feelings are a common response to situations where we feel under pressure, they usually pass once the stressful situation has subsided or the 'threat' is removed. Anxiety, however, is when these anxious feelings don't go away – when they're ongoing and exist without any particular cause or reason. It’s when this feeling of anxiety becomes constant, or overwhelming, that it might be termed an anxiety disorder.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person frequently feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder. Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health diagnoses that lead to excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

These disorders alter how a person processes emotions and behave, also causing physical symptoms. Mild anxiety might be vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety may seriously affect day-to-day living. Anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety feels different depending on the person experiencing it. Feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control like there's a disconnect between your mind and body.

Other ways people experience anxiety include nightmares, panic attacks, and painful thoughts or memories that you can't control. You may have a general feeling of fear and worry, or you might fear a specific place or event.

Symptoms of general anxiety include:

- Increased heart rate

- Rapid breathing

- Restlessness

- Trouble concentrating

- Difficulty falling asleep

Physical symptoms are only part of the picture. Many people with anxiety also experience:

- Excessive worry

- Dread

- A feeling of being "on-edge"

- Catastrophising

Managing Anxiety

Effective treatment helps many people live fully productive lives. Here are a few strategies:

1. Professional Therapy

Seeking therapy from licensed professionals can provide significant relief from anxiety. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly effective as it teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful situations.

2. Medication

Medication does not cure anxiety disorders, but it can relieve symptoms. It is often used in conjunction with therapy and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional.

3.Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

   Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help calm your mind and reduce the anxiety you feel.

4.Physical Activity

Regular physical activity can help lower the intensity of your anxiety by releasing endorphins and taking your mind off worries.

5. Support Networks

 Reach out to friends and family. Connection is vital to our well-being, and sharing your thoughts and experiences can make them easier to manage.

Anxiety disorders are common but the earlier you seek help, the more effective it can be. Remember, anxiety, like many other mental health conditions, is not a sign of weakness, and you don't have to manage it alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, consider reaching out to a mental health professional to explore treatment options. Together, you can determine the best ways to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

References

BRAVE Program. (2021). BRAVE Self-Help: An online program for the prevention and treatment of anxiety in young people. University of Queensland. Retrieved from https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/brave/

Counselling & Psychological Services, University of Melbourne. (n.d.). Anxiety. Retrieved from https://services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel

University of Queensland. (2023). How to help a teenager with anxiety. Retrieved from https://study.uq.edu.au/how-help-teenager-anxiety

Be You. (n.d.). Anxiety. Retrieved from https://beyou.edu.au

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. (n.d.). Anxiety and depression. Edith Cowan University. Retrieved from https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/learn/health-topics/anxiety-and-depression/