Anxiety is a normal response to dangerous or stressful situations (that fight/flight/freeze response) that we all experience at certain points in our lives. Some common times when individuals might experience anxiety include before giving a speech or presentation, starting a new job, job interviews, or sitting an exam. This can be a helpful response to situations that we perceive as dangerous, as it allows our bodies to stay alert and overcome the danger. It also helps us to perform.

Whilst anxiety can be helpful, some people experience frequent overwhelming levels of anxiety that interferes with their everyday life, impacting their ability to complete their regular routines and tasks. When ongoing anxiety symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to function normally for an extended period, this can be an indicator of an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders differ from normal anxiety by an increased level of anxiety experienced, the duration and frequency that an individual experiences these anxiety responses, and the impact that the anxiety has on the person’s life. Whilst each type of anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms, they often share intrusive and distressing thoughts of fear and worry, which easily can overwhelm individuals affecting their ability to complete regular tasks such as work, study, and home duties.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

• Excessive fear or worry

• Obsessive intrusive thoughts

• Withdrawal·

• Avoidance of situations

• Increased pulse

• Sweating

• Tightening of chest

• Feeling tense

• Sleep disturbances

• Panic attacks

• Poor concentration

• Nervousness

• Indecisiveness

• Catastrophizing outcomes

• Being highly alert

• Restlessness

Risk Factors For Developing Anxiety

It is difficult to determine the exact cause of an individual developing an anxiety disorder, however, research has found numerous risk factors that can contribute to the likeliness of developing an anxiety disorder. Both genetic and environmental factors have been linked to the increased likeliness of developing an anxiety disorder, and often individuals will have more than one risk factor. Risk factors associated with increased likeliness of developing an anxiety disorder include:

• Family history of mental illness

• Being raised by a parent who experienced an anxiety disorder

• Experiences of trauma

• Stressful or negative childhood experiences

• Personality traits such as shyness, low self-esteem, perfectionism

• Exposure to high levels of stress

• Having another type of mental illness such as depression

• Substance use problems, including the use of alcohol

Treatments for Anxiety

Anxiety treatments encompass a range of approaches tailored to an individual's specific needs and the severity of their anxiety. These treatments commonly include psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, may be prescribed by the treating doctor. Additionally, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, stress management techniques, and mindfulness practices can play a vital role in anxiety management. Ultimately, the most effective treatment plan often combines therapy, medication, and self-help strategies, under the guidance of a mental health professional, to provide holistic support for individuals coping with anxiety.

In 2022, Monash University undertook a clinical trial on the use of psychedelics (psilocybin) for the treatment of Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Psilocybin is legal in Australia for the treatment of depression (although not accessible to many people) but not yet for other mental illnesses such as anxiety, however, we hope that in the future these merging treatments gain enough evidence to demonstrate efficacy and become an accessible treatment option in the future.

Contact us today to learn more about anxiety through our Mental Health Training or book a one:one session with a counsellor to discuss strategies to help you live with symptoms of anxiety.