What is anxiety?
Guide
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. Anxiety becomes a problem when you start to feel anxious most of the time and about even minor things, to the point where constant repetitive thoughts take over, making us feel overwhelmed, causing us to lose sleep, feel exhausted and start to avoid social situations.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders refer to a group of disorders characterised by feelings of anxiety and fear, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As with depression, symptoms can range from mild to severe. The duration of symptoms typically experienced by people with anxiety disorders makes it more a chronic than episodic disorder.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety
- Feel very worried or afraid most of the time
- Tense and on edge
- Nervous or scared
- Panicky
- Irritable, agitated Think ‘Everything’s going to go wrong’ ‘I can’t focus on anything but my worries’
- Experience Sleep problems (can’t get to sleep, wake often)
- Pounding heart
- Sweating
- ‘Pins and needles’
- Light headedness, dizziness
- Problems concentrating
Additional Resources
Headspace – Mental Illness Fact Sheets
If symptoms of depression are severe, last for two weeks or more, and affect your functioning at home or at work, please book an appointment with Virtu.
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