What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorder is characterised by excessive worry or fear that is difficult to control and interferes with daily life. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder, among others. 

Symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the specific type of anxiety disorder, but common symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.

Recognising the symptoms of anxiety is crucial to getting proper care and finding relief.

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Top 5 Myths About Anxiety

  • Anxiety isn’t a real illness
  • You should avoid stressful situations if you have anxiety
  • Panic attacks can make you pass out
  • Anxiety disorders only affect women
  • Medication is the only solution for anxiety

Don’t be Fooled by Fake Quizzes

Feeling constantly on edge or overwhelmed? With so much misinformation online, it’s hard to know what’s normal and what could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Many online quizzes are vague or unhelpful, leaving you with more confusion than clarity.

We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, professional guidance when exploring their mental health. That’s why our comprehensive Anxiety pre-assessment tool is based on the DSM-5.

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Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, race or income. Individuals with anxiety may experience a mix of emotional, behavioural, and physical symptoms.

While symptoms vary between types of anxiety disorders, they often manifest during situations that trigger stress or fear, such as public speaking (social anxiety) or fear of separation from a loved one (separation anxiety).

Below are some commonly experienced symptoms of anxiety that you may have encountered at some stage in your life. 

Trouble sleeping

Do you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or find it hard to focus during the day?

Tension headaches

Do you experience frequent muscle tension or headaches, especially during stressful moments?

Racing heart

Does your heart race, or do you find yourself sweating excessively, even when you’re not physically active?

Dry mouth or lightheadedness

Do you often have a dry mouth or feel lightheaded and dizzy without an apparent reason?

Stomach issues

Do you frequently feel nauseous or experience stomach discomfort, such as cramps or indigestion?

Tingling or numbness

Have you ever noticed tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, especially during moments of anxiety?

Did you answer Yes to one or more of the above symptoms?

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Types of Anxiety Disorders

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday events, activities, or responsibilities, such as work, health, or relationships. Despite how it feels, this anxiety is often out of proportion to the situation and difficult to control, lasting for at least six months. Individuals with GAD frequently experience restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Over time, this chronic worry can significantly affect personal, social, and occupational functioning.

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is marked by an intense fear of social interactions, particularly those involving potential scrutiny or judgement. Individuals with SAD fear being humiliated, rejected, or embarrassed in social settings, such as public speaking, eating in front of others, or attending gatherings. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviours and social isolation, further impacting work and personal relationships. Physical symptoms may include sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, nausea, or dizziness. Without intervention, SAD can greatly limit one’s quality of life.

Panic Disorder is characterised by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden surges of overwhelming fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. During a panic attack, individuals may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, sweating, and a fear of losing control or dying. After a panic attack, many people develop anticipatory anxiety, fearing the onset of another episode, which can result in avoidance of certain activities or places. This condition often coexists with other anxiety disorders and can severely impair daily functioning without appropriate treatment.

Separation Anxiety Disorder involves an excessive fear of being separated from attachment figures, such as family members or close friends. Although commonly associated with children, it can also affect adults. Individuals may experience extreme distress, clinginess, fear of accidents or harm occurring to loved ones, and reluctance to be alone or away from home. In children, it may manifest as tantrums, school refusal, or nightmares. In adults, it can impair relationships, work performance, and social interactions.

Specific Phobias involve irrational and persistent fear of particular objects or situations, such as heights, animals, flying, or medical procedures. Exposure to the feared object or scenario triggers immediate anxiety symptoms, including sweating, trembling, and rapid heartbeat. Individuals often go to great lengths to avoid the phobic stimulus, which can restrict daily life. Specific phobias typically develop in childhood or adolescence, but they can persist without treatment and affect adult functioning.

Each of these anxiety disorders can severely impact daily life if left untreated, but they are manageable with targeted therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), medications like beta blockers or antidepressants, and lifestyle changes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to improving outcomes and preventing complications like depression or substance use disorders.

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Anxiety and ADHD

Anxiety and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can frequently co-occur, and research indicates that individuals with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety disorders. ADHD can lead to challenges with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, which may increase stress and contribute to the development of anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can worsen ADHD symptoms, making it harder to concentrate and manage tasks. This overlap often results in a complex interplay where both conditions amplify each other, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

How is Anxiety Treated?

In Australia, treatment for anxiety begins with visiting a General Practitioner (GP), who can assess your condition and refer you to mental health services like psychologists, counsellors, or psychiatrists. Through a Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare subsidises a limited number of therapy sessions. Common treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns and medication, such as beta blockers, which help manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.

Other lifestyle strategies include regular exercise, stress management techniques like yoga or meditation, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol which can worsen symptoms. Building a strong support system and learning time management skills are also helpful tools for managing anxiety in everyday life.

When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety symptoms become overwhelming or interfere with your ability to function, seeking support from a mental health professional is essential. Treatment plans may include therapy, medication, or both, depending on the severity and type of anxiety disorder. Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes, empowering individuals to regain control over their lives.

At YMG, we provide comprehensive resources to guide you through your mental health journey. Whether you’re dealing with general anxiety, panic attacks, or exploring CBT or beta blockers as a treatment option, we aim to equip you with reliable tools and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Take the first step in managing your anxiety symptoms—explore our resources and feel empowered while navigating your mental health journey.

Our free Anxiety quiz is designed to help you determine whether your levels of anxiety in everyday life exceed what is typically experienced by the average person.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best treatment involves a combination of CBT to address thought patterns, medication like SSRIs for managing symptoms, and lifestyle practices such as yoga, exercise, and mindfulness. Individualised plans that consider the severity of symptoms and the person’s lifestyle are most effective. Regular physical activity and reducing stimulants like caffeine can further enhance results. 

Anxiety can arise from a combination of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental stress, and traumatic life events. Some individuals may be predisposed due to family history, while chronic health conditions or substance misuse can also contribute. Often, anxiety develops as a response to prolonged stress or unresolved emotional challenges. 

The 3-3-3 rule is a grounding exercise used to refocus your mind during moments of anxiety. It involves:

  1. Identifying three things you see.
  2. Naming three sounds you hear.
  3. Moving three parts of your body, such as your hands or shoulders.

This technique helps bring your attention back to the present moment, reducing spiralling thoughts and calming physical symptoms of anxiety. 

Yes, many people with anxiety disorders live productive, meaningful lives. Learning coping strategies through therapy, combined with medication and consistent self-care practices, enables individuals to manage symptoms effectively. With the right support system and treatment, anxiety’s impact can be greatly reduced, allowing for fulfilling personal and professional experiences. 

Life with anxiety can feel overwhelming, as persistent worry and fear may disrupt daily routines, relationships, and work. Many individuals experience physical fatigue and mental exhaustion, along with sleep disturbances and avoidance behaviours. However, with treatment and support, people with anxiety can learn effective coping mechanisms, improving their quality of life and mental well-being. 

Managing anxiety often requires a multi-pronged approach. Therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps reframe anxious thoughts. Medications, such as SSRIs or beta blockers, can be prescribed to reduce physical symptoms. Additionally, lifestyle changes—like exercise, reducing caffeine, and practising mindfulness—are essential components of long-term anxiety management. 

The 3-3-3 rule is a grounding exercise used to refocus your mind during moments of anxiety. It involves:

  1. Restlessness or difficulty relaxing
  2. Trouble concentrating or feeling mentally scattered
  3. Sleep issues, like insomnia or waking frequently
  4. Increased heart rate or palpitations
  5. Tense muscles or frequent headaches

These symptoms vary in intensity and may differ from person to person. 

The 3-3-3 rule is a grounding exercise used to refocus your mind during moments of anxiety. It involves:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A widely used form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.
  • Medications: Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms.
  • Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, mindfulness, and stress management techniques can also help in managing anxiety.

A combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes is often most effective for long-term relief from anxiety.

The exact causes of anxiety disorders aren’t fully understood, but a combination of factors may contribute. According to the DSM-5, these factors include:

  • Genetics: A family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions can increase the risk.
  • Environmental stressors: Difficult life events such as trauma, financial difficulties, or relationship problems may trigger anxiety.
  • Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
  • Personality factors: Some people may have a naturally more anxious temperament, which makes them more susceptible to anxiety.

Anxiety disorders can manifest both physically and mentally. According to the DSM-5, common symptoms include:

  • Persistent worry or fear that is difficult to control.
  • Restlessness or feeling “on edge.”
  • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank.
  • Irritability.
  • Muscle tension.
  • Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

Common physical symptoms can also include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating.

The DSM-5 outlines several types of anxiety disorders, including:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about a wide range of things, such as health, work, or social interactions.
  • Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Fear of being judged or negatively evaluated in social situations.
  • Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights or spiders.
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder: Extreme anxiety about being separated from loved ones.

Each type of anxiety disorder has unique characteristics but shares common elements of overwhelming fear or worry.

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived danger. It becomes a disorder when it is persistent, excessive, and interferes with daily life. According to the DSM-5, anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or nervousness about future events or situations, often leading to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or difficulty breathing. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and can range from generalised anxiety to specific phobias.

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*The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is the gold standard used by Psychologists and Psychiatrists to diagnose mental health conditions. Created by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s a globally recognised guide that outlines the criteria for conditions like ADHD, Autism, and Bipolar Disorder and more. The most recent edition, the DSM-5-TR, was released in 2022.

DSM-5-TR offers detailed descriptions of various mental disorders, including their symptoms, prevalence, course, and associated features. It serves as a crucial reference for clinicians, researchers, educators, and policymakers in the field of mental health.

This manual helps clinicians accurately identify and diagnose mental health conditions, guiding treatment planning and interventions. It also facilitates communication among professionals by providing a common language and framework for understanding and discussing mental health disorders.

DSM-5-TR is periodically updated to reflect advancements in scientific understanding, changes in diagnostic criteria, and emerging trends in mental health research. It plays a vital role in shaping clinical practice, research initiatives, and public health policies related to mental health and psychiatric disorders.