What is anxiety? A comprehensive overview

Feelings of worry or fear are a normal response to stressful situations and can be helpful, preparing us for action and promoting problem-solving.

According to Health Direct, however, when these anxious thoughts begin to disrupt daily life, it might be time to consider whether you could be living with an anxiety disorder.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a fundamental human response, acting like an in-built alarm system that instinctively activates when we perceive danger, urging us to stay alert.

This reaction triggers our adrenaline levels, preparing our bodies for a fight or flight response—a natural survival mechanism deeply rooted in our biology.

However, when worry and fear become more intense and persistent, this could indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

What is an anxiety disorder?

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, anxiety disorders are a common mental health condition, affecting one in five Australians.

These disorders extend beyond the typical nerves you might feel before a speech or during a stressful event.

They’re not fleeting moments of anxiety that fade once the situation passes. Instead, they are characterised by severe, persistent anxiety that is hard to shake off.

This heightened anxiety seeps into all aspects of daily life, making it difficult to ignore. Anxiety disorders include a group of related conditions that involve excessive worry and fear, each with its unique symptoms.

According to Better Health, these conditions include generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and more.

If you think you might be living with an anxiety disorder, it’s important that you visit a GP for professional medical advice.

Social anxiety disorder

According to Healthline, social anxiety disorder, sometimes referred to as social phobia, involves an intense, persistent fear of being watched, judged, or negatively evaluated by others. This is not just a fear of public speaking or shyness; it’s a deep-rooted anxiety that can significantly impact daily life, turning social situations into overwhelming experiences.

In some cases, this fear can become so strong that you might start avoiding social situations altogether.

Very Well Mind explains that physical symptoms of social anxiety include blushing, a rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, and nausea.

While living with social anxiety can feel overwhelming, remember that you are not alone and that there are treatments and coping strategies available to help you manage it effectively.

Panic disorder

According to Better Health, panic disorder is marked by the occurrence of panic attacks, which are debilitating episodes of anxiety that can make you feel as though you’re losing control.

It’s like being caught in a tumultuous sea of worry, where waves of fear rise and crash, bringing a host of physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, and sweating.

Panic attacks can also occur without a clear cause or trigger, leading to a constant fear of the next attack and creating a cycle of anxiety.

While panic disorder can be challenging, Reach Out explains that with the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.

Specific phobias

Very Well Mind states that specific phobias are intense fears related to particular objects, situations, or experiences. These fears go beyond ordinary caution and evoke a response so powerful that it can lead to severe anxiety or even a panic attack.

The nature of these phobias can vary widely, from a fear of spiders (arachnophobia) to a fear of small spaces (claustrophobia).

Despite the variety, the common thread is the excessive fear and dread these phobias evoke in relation to the actual threat or danger.

This often leads to avoidance behaviour, where individuals go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear, disrupting their daily life.

However, it’s important to remember that these phobias, while disruptive, can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

According to Health Direct, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that traps individuals in a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours or compulsions.

These unwanted thoughts, known as obsessions, cause significant distress, leading to specific, ritualistic behaviours called compulsions.

These might include actions such as excessive handwashing, repeatedly checking locks, or compulsively counting items.

It’s a loop that can feel almost inescapable—the obsession causes distress, the compulsion reduces this distress temporarily, and the cycle continues.

While breaking free from OCD can be challenging, Mind reminds people that it’s important to remember that with the right help and treatment, you can manage your symptoms and regain control over your life.

When should I seek help from a mental health professional?

If your feelings of anxiety are constant, overwhelming, last a long time, or are interfering with your daily activities, it might be time to seek guidance from a mental health professional.

Alongside professional help, there are also numerous mental health support organisations and helplines available.

Professionals can help you manage and treat anxiety through methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), talk therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Coping strategies might include mindfulness techniques, regular exercise, a balanced diet, good sleep hygiene, and building a strong support network.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Seeking support is a positive step towards understanding and managing your anxiety, allowing you to regain control and live life on your terms.

If you think you might be living with anxiety, the best first step to take is to visit your GP for professional support and personalised treatment.

To learn more about anxiety generally, visit our blog Living with anxiety: symptoms, treatments, coping strategies, employment, and supports.

Resources and further reading

• Anxiety: symptoms, treatment and causes - Health Direct
• Anxiety disorders - Better Health Channel
• Anxiety information for friends and family - Lifeline Support Toolkit
• Helping someone with anxiety and panic attacks - Mind
• Anxiety help and support - Black Dog Institute
• Anxiety disorders: causes, types, symptoms and treatments - Healthline
• How to help someone with anxiety and depression - Beyond Blue

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