| Anxiety is more than feeling stressed or worried. Whilst stress and anxious feelings are a common response to a stressful situation, these feelings often pass when the situation or stressor is removed. Anxiety occurs when these feelings are ongoing and start to interfere with our everyday lives.
Signs and symptoms vary for everyone but may include:
- Feelings of nervousness or being on edge
- Not being able to stop or control your worrying
- Being so restless that its hard to sit still
- Being easily annoyed or irritable
- Feeling afraid as if something awful might happen
- Physical symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, muscle tension, upset stomach, sweating and difficulty breathing
- Behavioural changes such as procrastination, avoidance, social withdrawal and difficulty making decisions
There are different types of anxiety and symptoms can often be accompanied by feelings of depression. Although anxiety is common, it is important to seek help as the sooner you get support, the more likely you are to recover[ii].
Visiting your GP is an excellent first step in your road to recovery, we can assist by:
- Making a diagnosis
- Checking for physical health problems or medications that may be contributing
- Arranging a Mental Health Treatment Plan to allow you to claim Medicare rebates for psychological treatment
- Providing counselling
- Prescribing medication if appropriate
- Referring to a psychologist or psychiatrist if required
[i] Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
[ii] Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ |
