Not everybody in Adelaide associates their mental condition with anxiety right away. The problem starts slowly, as they begin to notice they get nervous about trifling matters and that their minds never stop working, even when they should be sleeping. There is another group of people who feel the effects of stress on their bodies, while some might feel the presence of anxiety all the time.
But it is quite easy for them to manage these feelings initially, particularly if there are reasons behind them, like workplace, family, or health concerns, or financial troubles.
The trouble is when those feelings become your permanent companions. This is usually when stress turns into a mental disorder, namely, anxiety. It should be noted that anxiety disorders are among the most frequently diagnosed disorders in Australia.
For instance, anxiety disorders are the most frequent diagnoses in GP and psychology settings. Therefore, one needs to bear in mind that being a person with anxiety does not mean living with this problem for life. With proper treatment, improvement is possible.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is not something the body does wrong. This is actually an innate and essential survival mechanism that allows you to stay vigilant in threatening situations.
The problem arises because this mechanism sometimes becomes overstimulated and remains on even when there is no actual danger.
Anxiety disorder patients usually express themselves in simple terms about how this feeling affects them. For example, some people may say their thoughts seem trapped in a loop. Other patients might feel like they are constantly waiting for something terrible to happen, even during good times.
This constant state of alert starts affecting normal life. Concentration becomes harder. Sleep becomes light or broken. Social situations become draining rather than satisfying. Even small decisions become too much for the mind due to its already existing overload.
It is essential to realise that one should know anxiety disorders are not related to the person’s personality; they do not arise from personal flaws and weak willpower. Anxiety disorders can be called medical conditions that are affected by various biological factors.
The same way any other health problem responds well to treatment when applied promptly.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders don’t all look the same. They show up in different patterns depending on the person and their experiences.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
One of the most common kinds of anxiety disorders diagnosed in Australia is Generalised Anxiety Disorder. For people suffering from GAD, their thoughts are always looking out for things to worry about.
When one problem is solved, another one replaces it. These concerns can centre on their well-being, financial security, employment, personal connections, or even minor daily activities.
The exhausting aspect of GAD is the non-stop mental effort required to address all these worries that never end. Although one knows how to deal with them all, one is aware that it is overwhelming, yet one cannot find any way to control them.
Consequently, one ends up with psychological fatigue, characterised by persistent nervousness, exhaustion, and daytime agitation.
One’s sleep is impaired, one gets easily distracted, and one’s irritability increases. Many Adelaide residents have GAD and don’t even realise they can be treated.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is defined as an anxiety disorder that features episodes of panic attacks, which occur abruptly. Symptoms of a panic attack include a fast heart rate, chest pains, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, feeling dizzy, chills, palpitations, trembling, or a feeling of impending doom.
As these signs have a physical nature, most individuals consider themselves as having a heart attack or some other major medical problem at first. Once the individual experiences a few more panic attacks, the fears change from the attack itself to what triggers it next time.
Avoidance follows. Sometimes, people choose to avoid social engagements like going to the mall, riding public transportation, and attending social events because they feel safe in their comfort zones.
Although avoiding these activities will provide some form of respite from anxiety in such circumstances, it will do nothing but help make one more fearful over time.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is not just mere shyness. Social Anxiety Disorder is when one feels like being scrutinised, ridiculed, or criticised by others.
To those who suffer from social anxiety disorder, simple tasks become difficult. Such acts as conversing in a meeting, interacting with other people, eating in public spaces, calling up people, and talking are sources of anxiety.
After such social engagements, individuals become preoccupied with analysing everything they have said. Owing to such fears, individuals may be inclined to engage in avoidance behaviours, which could have detrimental effects on both their social lives and careers.
Specific Phobias
Specific Phobia refers to an irrational fear of a particular object or situation. These objects might include heights, flying in an aeroplane, bugs, needles, enclosed spaces, and even some animals.
The thought of this phobia causes a sense of anxiety, while being exposed to it causes immediate physiological reactions like shaking, sweating, dizziness, and even heart palpitations. The individual may know that the fear is irrational, but feels very real to him.
To overcome the situation, avoidance of the object becomes necessary, though this makes daily functions difficult. On the bright side, however, specific phobias are very easily treatable using psychology.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves a cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts that feel distressing and difficult to ignore. These thoughts often create strong anxiety.
Compulsions are the acts that a person engages in as a form of reaction to anxiety. This includes acts such as cleaning, organising, checking, and so forth. While it offers some relief to the person, it is temporary, which perpetuates the loop. Even though it can take up too much time and mental effort, it is still feasible to cope with the problem through therapy.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It is a disease arising from a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, natural disaster, or anything else putting a person’s life at risk. The brain keeps trying to understand it.
The individuals face flashbacks, nightmares, emotional, and even physical responses because of remembering what they fear. Moreover, people feel very aware and are always searching for what to fear.
Therapy with a psychologist to help one cope with the experience becomes imperative.
Anxiety Disorders Signs and Symptoms
The effect of anxiety disorders is different on the mind, body, and actions of individuals. In psychological terms, an individual can suffer from:
- Constant worrying
- Rapid thoughts
- Fear
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Being overwhelmed
- Restlessness
On a physiological basis, anxiety can cause:
- Rapid heartbeats
- Muscle tension
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
People first believe that they have some physical issues until they realise the presence of anxiety. Behaviorally, individuals who suffer from anxiety will withdraw, avoid places, be perfectionists, and seek a lot of reassurance.
The behaviours could ease anxiety for a short while but perpetuate it for longer.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
There are several causes. It generally arises from a variety of factors. Certain physical conditions, for example, genetics or the chemicals of the brain, could affect whether one will develop an anxiety disorder. Physiologically, one possible cause is that some people may be more susceptible to stress due to their biology.
Another cause could be past experiences, such as stress, trauma, money issues, relationship troubles, and losses.
The lifestyle of one, for instance, how one sleeps, excessive consumption of caffeine, abuse of alcohol, physical inactivity, and stress, could have a huge impact.
Generally, all these cause one to develop an anxiety disorder.
Treatment for Anxiety Disorders in Adelaide
There are treatments available for these disorders that prove beneficial to patients.
Therapy
One of the most useful therapies is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aids in forming a new relationship with the anxious thoughts while concentrating on behaviours consistent with personal values.
Another helpful therapy is mindfulness, which helps individuals stay in the present.
Anxiety Medication
Some people may benefit from medication such as SSRIs or SNRIs. These are prescribed by doctors based on individual needs and can help reduce symptoms when appropriate. Medication is not always necessary, but it can support recovery in some cases.
Lifestyle Support
Lifestyle changes are also very important. Exercising, sleeping well, avoiding caffeine, eating healthily, relaxing, and making connections with other people can all help with recovery. This approach is most effective when used with professional treatment.
How to Access Mental Healthcare Support in Adelaide
Most people start by seeing a GP. A GP can assess your symptoms and even write a Mental Health Care Plan, if needed, which means that you will be able to claim money back from Medicare regarding your visits.
Mental health practitioners, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, can also be contacted as required.
When Do You Need to Seek Assistance?
In case anxiety is affecting you, either personally or professionally or in your relationships, you have to get assistance. No need to delay the process; getting help earlier will bring you better results.
Finding Support in Adelaide
People who have anxiety disorders feel alone, although many suffer from anxiety. There is help available throughout Adelaide, including general practitioners, psychologists, and mental health services, all of which are available at Elyséa HEALTH.
With the right help, you will find yourself feeling confident and stable, with your life back under control.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorders can be extremely debilitating, yet there is hope for recovery. With an understanding of what is going on, you can take the next step. With proper help and treatment, many people lead happier, more balanced lives.
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Mental health crisis and support services in Australia include:
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