Understanding anxiety
What is anxiety?
It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. For example, you might feel worried or stressed if you have to speak in front of a large group, deal with a high-pressure situation at work or sit an exam.
Anxiety and stress are not always harmful. In fact, sometimes temporary worries or nerves about everyday situations can actually be helpful. These feelings can allow us to plan ahead, be prepared and react to a situation.
Anxiety can become an issue and can get worse over time if it’s not treated. This can look different for everyone. Some people can experience a lot of anxiety or worry for months. Others might experience panic attacks or intense fear, while other people might feel anxious about social situations such as parties, events or going out.
Anxiety could be more common than you think
According to recent statistics, one in eight Australians between the ages of 18 and 65 have experienced, or are currently experiencing, anxiety-related conditions in the past twelve months.
Anxiety can show as a range of conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and specific phobias such as fear of heights or spiders.
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Urgent care
If you or someone close to you is in distress or at risk of harm, call 000.