Anxiety
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of uneasiness, fear or worry. Everyone feels anxious from time to time whether it be stress over an exam, worry about family problems, or feeling nervous about giving a talk in front of an audience.
It is normal to feel tense or scared when facing a challenging or dangerous situation. Anxiety is the body's natural response to danger when we feel threatened. Sometimes, a degree of anxiety can be useful as it keeps us alert and focused and helps us respond to a challenging situation.
When is anxiety not normal?
Anxiety becomes a problem when it is constant and when fears and worries are interfering with your every day activities and relationships and stopping you from enjoying life.
Anxiety symptoms
Anxiety can present in many different ways. Things that people with anxiety may experience include:
- excessive fear and worry
- feeling tense and restless
- trouble concentrating
- feeling like their mind has gone blank.
Anxiety may also involve a wide range of physical sensations including:
- a pounding heart
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- sweating
- muscle tension
- headaches
- fatigue
- problems sleeping.
Types of anxiety problems
Anxiety is very common. Research says 1 in 4 people will experience an anxiety problem at some stage in their lives. Anyone can experience high levels of anxiety including young children, adolescents and adults. There are a lot of different anxiety types, but the most common forms are:
- Generalised anxiety
- Specific phobia
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia.
Learn more about these types of anxiety through Kids Helpline.
Managing anxiety
Although anxiety can sometimes be difficult to manage, there are a number of things which can help you to control your anxiety.
- Education—learn about anxiety; understand the signs and symptoms and treatments available. There are many useful websites and books about anxiety.
- Reach out for support—talk to your family or a close friend about your problem.
- Monitoring—learn to monitor your anxiety, including what triggers it.
- Challenge irrational, worrisome thoughts—replace them with a more balanced way of thinking. People often need help with this so you might like to speak with a trained professional like a counsellor or psychologist.
- Make positive lifestyle changes—for example, regular exercise and improving your diet.
- Learn and practice relaxation techniques - for example, controlled breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and yoga.
- Reduce use of alcohol and other drugs.
Depression and anxiety quiz
Complete an online health check to get a better idea if you or someone you know has symptoms of depression.
Time: 5 mins
MoodGYM
The MoodGYM training program helps you to overcome negative emotions and improve your coping skills.
Time: 15 mins
Getting help
If your anxiety is getting in the way of having a good life it may help to get professional support. There are many people who can help you to develop ways of coping with anxiety, for example:
- Kids Helpline
- school counsellors
- doctor or psychiatrist
- psychologist, counsellor or therapist.
If you need help or advice you can phone Kids Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 55 1800, or use their web counselling or email counselling services.
