Individuals feel concerned or worried about aspects of their lives from time to time, however, it is when an individual has interference from being anxious that they may have the symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders, or the symptoms of anxiety (such as the degree of effect on an individual’s everyday living) and anxiety combined with depression, are common types of mental illness.

Anxiety or 'being anxious and concerned' is a natural reaction to an individual’s experience in certain situations. It is the body’s way of providing a psychological response to a perceived or actual threat, a dangerous situation, or an intense or prolonged period of stress. As individuals it may be difficult to distinguish between feelings of concern and what might clinically be determined anxiety. It is important to determine the level of anxiety and the use of a trained counsellor is critical.

Research is unable to provide an exact cause for anxiety disorders, however, much of what we do understand suggests that the risk of developing disorders can be increased by several factors which include genetics, personal attributes and characteristics such as low self-concept and lack of coping skills, or, due to biochemistry (brain function - neurotransmitters).

When is anxiety a problem?

Individuals are generally diagnosed with anxiety disorder when their feelings of anxiety become so regular and extreme that it interferes significantly with their day to day lives. Anxiety disorders are typically characterised by a constant and persistent level of high anxiety, tension and excessive worry about life events.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Individuals can have a varied degree of symptoms, these will include both physical and psychological. Symptoms may include:

1. Confusion
2. Irritability
3. Muscle tension
4. Feelings of concern, helplessness
5. Pounding heartbeat
6. Breathing difficulties
7. Increased blood pressure
8. Nausea
9. Stomach Aches

Anxiety treatment

There are four major aspects to the treatment of anxiety disorders. These include:

1. Psychological Treatment
For the majority of anxiety concerns individuals can undertake psychological forms of treatment and find success through counselling. Treatments are aimed at analysing unhelpful thinking patterns, triggers of anxiety panic, beliefs and behaviours and the self-concept. The most common treatment for anxiety disorders is the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The use of desensitisation techniques which can slow down and gradually reduce the impacts of anxiety provoking stimuli and assist individuals in developing skills to self-manage emotions (such as fear or excessive concern).

2. Education
Anxiety education assist individuals to learn about themselves and the range of anxiety concerns that affect them. Within this process the use of core research facts will dispel common myths and fears people have about anxiety disorders.

3. Management Techniques
Within this process individuals will learn sustainable strategies to cope with anxiety. The ability to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns, learn coping strategies, controlled breathing and relaxation techniques.

4. Medication
This will be administered by a trained professional, not a counsellor, and must be agreed to by a General Practitioner. It is recommended that the pervious 3 treatments be integrated with medication, as medication alone will not resolve anxiety disorders.

For more information about anxiety disorders please visit the beyond blue link in our menu on the front page.

How can Positive Connections assist?

Positive Connections is private professional practice that provides counselling services to individuals and families in the cities of Casey and Cardinia. If you are having problems with what you believe are potentially anxiety driven behaviours, or, if you are a family member that requires assistance to provide a positive intervention and assist someone you love, please call us, 9704 9500.

Together we can find a way.