Anxiety
About anxiety
Anxiety is a common response to stress, but when it becomes persistent or excessive it can interfere with daily life. In Australia, the ABS 2020-21 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing found about 1 in 6 adults experienced an anxiety disorder in the previous 12 months.
How anxiety can show up
- Worry and rumination: Persistent "what if" thinking that is hard to switch off.
- Physical arousal: Racing heart, tension, stomach upset, or feeling on edge.
- Avoidance and safety behaviours: Steering clear of feared situations or relying on rituals for relief.
- Panic or acute episodes: Sudden surges of fear with intense physical sensations.
- Sleep and concentration changes: Restless sleep, fatigue, or difficulty focusing.
- Impact on daily life: Reduced confidence, social withdrawal, or limitations in work and study.
Further information about anxiety
- Generalised anxiety: Ongoing, wide-ranging worry about everyday life.
- Social anxiety: Fear of judgment, embarrassment, or scrutiny in social settings.
- Panic disorder: Recurrent panic attacks and fear of them returning.
- Specific phobias: Intense fear of particular objects or situations.
- Health anxiety: Persistent concern about illness or bodily sensations.
Self-help ideas for anxiety
- Practise slow breathing or grounding exercises when anxiety rises.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and screens late at night to support sleep.
- Use gradual exposure to gently face avoided situations.
- Schedule regular movement and time outdoors.
- Capture worries in a journal to make them feel more manageable.
When to seek professional support
Extra support can help when anxiety is persistent or limiting your life.
- Worry or fear feels present most days for weeks or months.
- Avoidance is shrinking your world or affecting relationships.
- Panic attacks or intense physical symptoms occur.
- Stress impacts work, study, sleep, or overall wellbeing.
How we help with anxiety
- Evidence-based therapy focused on understanding and reducing anxiety.
- Skills for managing worry, panic, and anxious thoughts.
- Gradual exposure planning to rebuild confidence.
- Support for underlying stressors, trauma, or life transitions.