Everyone feels anxious sometimes: before a job interview, waiting for test results, in a financial squeeze. That's normal and often useful. Anxiety becomes a problem when it's frequent, out of proportion to the situation, hard to switch off, and starts getting in the way of work, sleep, relationships or daily life.
Anxiety conditions are the most common mental health conditions in Australia, and they're very treatable.
How anxiety shows up
In the body: racing heart, tight chest, shallow breathing, stomach upsets, muscle tension, headaches, feeling tired but wired.
In thoughts: constant worry, "what if" spirals, expecting the worst, trouble concentrating, mind going blank.
In behaviour: avoiding situations, over-preparing, checking things repeatedly, seeking reassurance, procrastinating, irritability, trouble falling or staying asleep.
Common types
- Generalised anxiety: ongoing worry about many everyday things.
- Social anxiety: intense fear of being judged or embarrassed.
- Panic disorder: repeated, sudden panic attacks and fear of the next one.
- Specific phobias: intense fear of particular things or situations.
- Health anxiety: persistent worry about being seriously ill.
Only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose these. The list is to help you recognise patterns, not label yourself or others.
What helps
- Talking to a GP. A GP can check for physical causes, talk through options, and prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist.
- Psychological therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has strong evidence for anxiety.
- Everyday habits. Regular movement, sleep routines, less caffeine and alcohol, and slow breathing all help settle the nervous system.
- Facing, not avoiding. Avoidance brings short-term relief but makes anxiety grow. Small, gradual steps towards feared situations work better, ideally with support.
- Medication, for some people, prescribed and monitored by a doctor.
Supporting someone with anxiety
Listen without dismissing ("Just relax" rarely helps). Ask what would be useful. Encourage professional help without pushing. Look after yourself too.
When to get help urgently
If anxiety comes with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or someone is in danger, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) offers support for anxiety and depression.
Learning more
If you work with people (in HR, education, health support, community services) or want to understand adult mental health better, the Courses4me Certificate in Adult Mental Health is a self-paced online course (about 200 hours). It is accredited by ICOES and endorsed by IARC. It is not a nationally recognised qualification and doesn't qualify you to diagnose or treat mental illness.
This article is general information, not medical advice.
This article is general information only. Courses4me is a private education company, not a Registered Training Organisation, and does not guarantee employment.