Anxiety

Feeling anxious now and then is part of life. But when worry and fear are overwhelming and constant, it might be a sign of an anxiety disorder. You’re not alone—millions of Australians face this challenge every day, affecting their work, relationships, and peace of mind. About 14% of Australians experience an anxiety disorder in any given year, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the country .

Recognising Anxiety: More Than Just Stress

Anxiety can sneak up in many ways, and knowing the signs helps you seek the right support:

• Constant Worry: When your mind races with thoughts about what could go wrong in just about everything.
• Physical Symptoms: Like a racing heart, sweaty palms, or a churning stomach, especially when there’s no clear reason.
• Avoiding Life: Skipping out on social events, work meetings, or even daily errands because they feel too overwhelming.
• Trouble Focusing: Finding it hard to concentrate on tasks or enjoy moments because of intrusive anxious thoughts.
• Sleepless Nights: Lying awake, worried about tomorrow, next week, or next year.
• Muscle Tension: Regularly experiencing muscle tightness or aches without physical exertion, often an unconscious manifestation of anxiety.
• Irritability: Finding yourself more easily frustrated or snappy with others over seemingly minor issues, a common but less recognised symptom of anxiety.
• Excessive Fear of Making Mistakes: Fearing failure to the point where it prevents taking action or making decisions, often leading to procrastination or avoidance behaviours.

Types of Anxiety Disorders: You’re Not Alone 

Anxiety comes in various forms, and identifying yours is the first step towards feeling better:

1. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Worrying non-stop about everyday things, big and small.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Feeling overwhelmingly self-conscious and afraid of being judged negatively in social situations.
3. Panic Disorder: Experiencing sudden, intense surges of fear that come without warning.
4. Agoraphobia: Avoiding places or situations because you fear they’ll trigger a panic attack.

What Causes Anxiety? 

Anxiety can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety increases your chances of developing it.
• Physical Health: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems can contribute to anxiety.
• Environment: Continuous exposure to stressful or traumatic situations can lead to anxiety.
• Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol can increase the risk of anxiety disorders.

How Does Wellvue Treats Anxiety?

Anxiety can be overwhelming, but effective treatment can significantly improve your symptoms. At Wellvue, we manage anxiety with a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. The first step in treating anxiety is getting a clinical diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional, like a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. With Wellvue, you can see a specialist from the comfort of your home and begin your journey to wellness quickly.

Here’s What to Expect at Your First Visit

Assessment: During your first visit with a Wellvue mental health professional, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your current symptoms, personal history, medical history, and mental health goals.

Diagnosis: Based on the information you’ve shared, your specialist will be able to provide a diagnosis of your condition. Getting a diagnosis can be a relief, as it helps to put a name to what you’ve been experiencing. Your specialist will help you navigate any emotions that come up and work with you to develop a path forward.

Treatment Plan: You’ll collaborate with your specialist on the best way to manage your symptoms. If medication is appropriate, you’ll discuss your options, including the benefits and potential side effects of each medication. Your specialist will provide supportive therapy during your sessions and may also recommend working with one of our psychologists. Our psychologists partner with our psychiatrists to provide collaborative care.

Medication Management

The most common medications used to treat anxiety are:

• SSRIs and SNRIs: These medications help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and anxiety. They may take several weeks to reach full effect.
• Benzodiazepines: These are used for short-term relief of severe anxiety symptoms. Due to risks of dependence and side effects, they are not recommended for long-term use.
• Other Medications: Depending on your specific symptoms and history, other medications may be prescribed. It’s important to work closely with your specialist to find the right medication and dosage for you. Ongoing treatment and taking your medication consistently, even when you feel well, is key to managing your condition and keeping your symptoms under control.

Psychology

Therapy is a crucial tool in managing anxiety. Wellvue offers various therapeutic approaches to help you:

• Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It’s one of the most effective treatments for anxiety.
• Exposure Therapy: This involves gradually facing feared situations or objects until the anxiety decreases. It is particularly effective for phobias and panic disorder.
• Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Therapies: These therapies focus on accepting anxiety and living a meaningful life despite it.

At Wellvue, we schedule 60 minutes for your initial visit and typically 30 minutes for follow-up visits, which allows us to incorporate supportive therapy into your appointments. If you and your specialist feel you’d benefit from additional therapy, you can work with one of Wellvue’s psychologists, or our specialist can provide a referral.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medication and therapy, certain lifestyle changes can help manage anxiety:

• Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce anxiety levels.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help maintain overall well-being.
• Avoiding Caffeine, Alcohol, and Drugs: Reducing or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and recreational drugs can help decrease anxiety levels and improve overall mental health.
• Sleep: Ensuring adequate, restful sleep is crucial for managing anxiety.
• Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety.

How to Get Started

If you think you might have anxiety, Wellvue can help. Here’s how to get started:

1. Book an Appointment: Schedule an initial consultation with one of our mental health professionals.
2. Complete Your First Visit: During your first visit, you’ll share your experiences and symptoms. Our specialist will assess your condition and discuss the best treatment options for you.
3. Receive Your Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on your assessment, you’ll receive a tailored treatment plan that may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
4. Ongoing Care: We’ll provide continuous care and support, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best outcomes.

About Wellvue 

Wellvue is dedicated to providing high-quality mental health care tailored to your needs. Our experienced team of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists offers comprehensive, compassionate care to help you manage anxiety and improve your quality of life. Get started with Wellvue today and take the first step towards feeling better.

Disclaimer:

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 000 right away.