Anxiety

Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time in response to a stressful event or percieved future threat. The anxiety reaction affects us in three ways. Psychologically, we can experience a state of apprehension or uneasiness and sometimes unhelpful thoughts about the situation and our ability to cope. Behaviourally, anxiety can affect our ability to enter or stay in situations, express ourselves or deal with everyday situations. Physiologically, we may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, a dry mouth, sweating, muscle tension and a feeling of queasiness. It is important to remember that anxiety is a normal and useful response to situations which can arise in everyday life. 

Treating Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorders involve anxiety which is more intense, lasts longer, and leads to distress or interference in somebody's life. Anxiety Disorders are treatable conditions. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has been found to be highly effective for the treatment of Anxiety Disorders. This treatment focusses on challenging or changing one's relationship to thoughts involved in anxiety, overcoming avoidance, and learning how to cope with physiological symptoms. Psychologists can provide treatment and support to enable you to recover from depression using evidence based treatments. Medicare assistance is available to cover most of the costs of your appointments.


Further Information

Australian Psychological Society: Understanding and Managing Anxiety.

Beyond Blue: Summary of the 6 Anxiety Disorders

Beyond Blue: Symptom Checklists for each Anxiety Disorder.

Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression: Excellent resource for learning about each anxiety disorder and initial steps to take to begin overcoming the sympoms.

Contact Us