Anxiety
Anxiety
Anxiety is the general feeling of unease or worry that creeps up, sometimes without any clear reason or stimuli. It's a normal reaction to stress, but it becomes a problem when these feelings become overwhelming or persistent, triggered by something others might consider trivial or inconsequential.
For many, the feelings of anxiety linger, making daily life challenging. It might seem like the mind is constantly racing, unable to rest. This persistent anxiety can manifest in different ways—sometimes, it's a generalised feeling of unease, while other times, it's more specific, such as social anxiety or phobias.
Studies suggest that over 3 million Australians are suffering from anxiety disorders, and it will impact 1 in 4 Australians throughout their lifetimes. It’s a significant number, but it also means you’re not alone in facing these challenges.
Why Do We Get Anxious?
Anxiety often kicks in when we're faced with uncertain or stressful situations. It's our body’s way of preparing us for action—whether that means fighting off danger or running away to get to safety. But what happens when the danger isn’t ‘real’, and you’re still feeling anxious?
Various factors can lead to the development of anxiety, including the following. Each of these factors can play a role, and sometimes, it's a combination of causes that leads to anxiety. As we start to manage our anxiety, we first need to understand what’s behind it.
Family history
If anxiety runs in your family, you might be more likely to experience it yourself. Studies show that people with a family history of anxiety or other mental health issues are more predisposed to developing anxiety disorders.
Life events
Trauma, especially from events in childhood, can lead to PTSD and anxiety later in life. People who have experienced abuse, neglect, or significant loss may develop anxiety as a result of how their brain processes those traumatic memories.
External Pressures
This can include stress related to one's job, finances, relationships, or family.
Brain chemistry
Anxiety can be linked to imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and emotional regulation. When these neurotransmitters are off-balance, it can heighten feelings of anxiety.
Personality traits
Individuals with certain personality traits, such as perfectionism, being highly self-critical, or having a tendency to worry, are often more prone to anxiety. These traits can make you more vulnerable to stress and anxiety over time.
Health issues
Certain medical conditions or substance use can also heighten anxiety.
Substance Use
The use of certain substances can elevate anxiety levels.
Types of anxiety
Not all anxiety is the same. It can show up in many different ways, which is why we need to determine what type of anxiety you might be dealing with one of the following.
The type (or types) of anxiety you're experiencing is going to help us find a management strategy that works.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Feeling excessive worry about everyday things like work, health, or relationships. The worry feels impossible to control, and it often comes with physical symptoms like headaches or tiredness.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Involves intense fear of social situations. You might avoid gatherings or feel extremely self-conscious in public because you’re worried about being judged or embarrassed.
Panic Disorder
Panic attacks can strike suddenly, causing intense fear or discomfort. These attacks often include physical symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing heart, which can make you feel like you’re having a medical emergency.
Phobias & Agoraphobia
A phobia is a specific, intense fear of something, whether it’s spiders, flying, or heights. People with phobias go to great lengths to avoid the things that trigger their fear.
And, an Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escaping might be difficult, such as crowded places or being alone outside. People with agoraphobia may avoid leaving their homes altogether.
Anxiety Support That Works
The positive news is that anxiety can be managed, and there are several approaches to help you take back control of your life.
At Blokes Psychology, we recognise that no two individuals are the same, and that’s why we offer a variety of support techniques and treatments. We draw from a range of approaches to create a personalised plan tailored to your unique situation.
Our experienced team will work with you to understand your personal challenges and identify which combination of methods might be most effective, including therapies that help you manage negative thought patterns, ways to face your fears, or relaxation techniques to help you stay grounded in the moment. Whether through talk therapy, mindfulness practices, lifestyle changes, or other strategies, we’ll guide you through every step to help reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
At Blokes Psychology, we prioritise supporting you with a holistic plan that fits your life. We use evidence-based methods to address the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of anxiety. We’ll work together to help you find balance and regain control, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.
How Anxiety Shows Itself: Signs and Symptoms
Anxiety can show up in several ways—physically, mentally, and behaviorally. Recognising these signs early can help you better manage your anxiety and seek the right support when needed.
Physical Symptoms
Anxiety often manifests into physical symptoms, which, for many, can prove intense. You might notice your heart racing or feel short of breath, almost like you’ve been running even if you're sitting still. Some people experience sweating, trembling, or even dizziness. Digestive issues, such as nausea or an upset stomach, are also common signs of anxiety.
Other physical indicators can include headaches, muscle tension, and a general feeling of restlessness or inability to relax. These symptoms are your body’s response to stress, preparing you to either fight or flee—even when there’s no immediate danger.
Mental and Emotional Symptoms
Anxiety can feel mentally overwhelming, too. Persistent worry is a hallmark of anxiety, and it may feel like your mind is constantly racing with negative thoughts. You might struggle to focus, concentrate, or make decisions because anxiety clouds your thinking.
Emotionally, anxiety often brings about feelings of fear, dread, or impending doom, even when there’s no logical reason to feel that way. You might feel irritable or tense, and these emotions can affect how you interact with others.
Behavioural Changes
Anxiety doesn’t just affect how you feel—it also impacts what you do.
Avoidance is a common response to anxiety. You might avoid places, people, or situations that trigger anxious feelings, leading to isolation. Over time, this avoidance behaviour can interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to maintain relationships or stay on top of responsibilities at work or home.
Other behavioural changes might include fidgeting, pacing, or engaging in unhealthy habits like substance use to cope with the stress.
Self-Help Strategies for Managing Anxiety
There are practical steps you can take right now to start managing anxiety:
- Take deep breaths: When anxiety hits, focusing on your breath can help calm you down. Try inhaling slowly for four counts, holding for four, then exhaling for four counts.
- Stay active: Exercise doesn’t just help your body—it helps your mind, too. Even a short walk can make a difference in how you feel.
- Sleep well: Getting enough rest is crucial. Anxiety often gets worse when you’re sleep-deprived, so aim for seven to nine hours a night.
- Eat balanced meals: Your diet can impact your mental health. Ensure you eat regular meals with a good mix of protein, fibre, and healthy fats to keep your energy steady.
- Identify your triggers: Write down situations or places that make your anxiety worse. Understanding what triggers you can help you avoid or better prepare for these situations.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Anxiety?
Is anxiety starting to interfere with your everyday life? It might be time to seek professional help. Some signs that it’s time to reach out include feeling overwhelmed by constant worry, avoiding social situations or activities you once enjoyed, or turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or drugs to manage your stress.
When anxiety makes it hard to function at work or school, maintain relationships, or even get through the day, professional support can make a world of difference.
At Blokes Psychology, we offer a safe, understanding space where you can explore what’s causing your anxiety and learn how to manage it. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re ready to take control and make positive changes in your life. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, from identifying triggers to developing strategies that help you cope.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, booking a session with one of our experienced psychologists is a great first step toward managing your anxiety and regaining control of your life.