Anxiety is a natural reaction that everyone experiences. Our 'fight or flight response' is the physiological response that helps us deal with potentially dangerous situations such as crossing a busy road or approaching a big black spider in the bathtub! However, for some people anxiety prevents them from living their life in the way that they would like.
Problem anxiety can take various forms: panic attacks that occur out of the blue; incredible fear about situations or objects that are not actually dangerous; uncontrollable concerns and worry about everything and anything; or compulsive repetition of certain behaviours in order to try to reduce anxiety, e.g. washing hands repeatedly to get rid of germs.
What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
People who have an anxiety disorder often experience the common symptoms of fear and panic. During a panic attack, fear may be so intense that the person feels they will lose control, have a heart attack, or ‘go crazy.’ Panic attacks can occur with different anxiety disorders.In addition to fear and panic a person with an anxiety disorder may experience symptoms including:
- feeling irritable or uneasy
- excessively worrying about things
- appearing to others as being 'highly strung'
- having difficulty relaxing, concentrating and sleeping
- developing elaborate plans to avoid certain places, situations or objects
- physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, muscle spasm, sweating, shortness of breath, headaches and nausea with no physical cause.
What Are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?
Some of the main types of anxiety disorders are:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Unrealistic and excessive worry accompanied by a feeling of being on edge, and physical tension.
- Agoraphobia
Fear of being in a situation where escape is difficult or where a panic attack may occur.
- Specific Phobia
An intense fear of particular objects or situations.
- Social Phobia
Fear of being the centre of attention, due to concern about being judged negatively by other people.
- Panic Disorder
Repeated panic attacks including all of the physical symptoms of panic
along with fear of the panic attack itself. For example people may fear
the panic attack will cause them to lose control, go crazy, collapse,
or even die.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterised by the presence of either obsessions, or
compulsions, or both. Obsessions are persistent and unwanted thoughts
that constantly invade and disrupt a person’s life. Compulsions are
repetitive actions or rituals that are performed to ease anxiety or
prevent a feared event from occurring.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Feelings of uncontrollable fear or flashbacks associated with a
traumatic experience, resulting in a person feeling unable to function
in their daily life.
What are the Causes of Anxiety?
Anxiety can be a result of an interaction between a number of factors including:
- Environmental factors
It seems that life experiences, such as our family environment, can
contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in some cases.
- Biological factors
An imbalance of the chemicals in the brain that regulate feelings and
physical reactions can alter thoughts, emotions or behaviours and
result in anxiety.
- Genetic factors
Research shows that anxiety disorders run in some families though they may take a different form for each family member.
- Personality
Some personality types are more prone to anxiety. A person who reacts
in a very emotional way and is easily upset may experience anxious
thoughts and display anxious behaviours.
What Help is Available?
There are some very successful treatments and strategies available for people with an anxiety disorder. These include:
- Counselling and therapy - in particular cognitive-behavioural therapy
- Medication
- Self-help support groups and self-treatment programs.
What Can You Do To Help Yourself?
Find out more about anxiety by accessing the resources and information listed below.
- See your local doctor (GP) or have an assessment conducted by a mental health professional, e.g. a psychologist.
- If treatment is required, discuss your options with your health professional and decide on a program that is right for you.
- Don't let misconceptions about mental illness or anxiety stop you from seeking help.
Remember that everyone experiences feelings of anxiety at times. It can be very helpful to talk to a friend, relative or counsellor so that these feelings don’t end up getting beyond your control. Look after your mind as well as your body by adopting a healthier lifestyle including:
- Regular exercise
- A healthy eating plan
- Regular sleeping patterns
- Learning to reduce your stress levels and relaxing
This is different for everybody. You may find watching TV, reading a book, going for a walk, or having a long bubble bath particularly helpful.Others find slow breathing or remedial massage beneficial. Please note, the use of alcohol, cannabis and other recreational drugs is discouragedfor anyone suffering anxiety. Rather than assisting with long term recovery, these substances can cause a worsening of symptoms.
Useful Websites
Anxiety Disorders Support and Information (ADSI) www.ada.mentalhealth.asn.au
Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) www.crufad.com
Anxiety Network Australia www.anxietynetwork.com