Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time. Anxiety is a natural biological response humans innately possess that is designed to be triggered in situations of danger and prepare us for fight or flight when we are feeling threatened or afraid.
In relation to mental health however, anxiety is a future-oriented mood state in which a person dreads or attempts to prepare themselves to cope with an anticipated negative event or situation.
When anxiety becomes excessive and debilitating, it may fall under the classification of an acute anxiety disorder.
– this is characterised by excessive worrying about anything and everything beyond our control.
– feeling anxious in everyday social situations, where we fear being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated.
– regularly experiencing panic attacks and feeling intensely anxious about having more attacks in the future.
– performing repetitive actions such as hand washing or checking locks due to anxiety about the consequences of not doing so.
– extreme anxiety experienced after a severely stressful event.
So, what can be the cause of anxiety? Often it is not one single situation or trigger, but is more likely a combination of factors including:
While the symptoms of normal anxiety often include sweaty palms, accelerated breathing, a spike in adrenalin and increased heart rate, what anxiety actually feels like can be much more pronounced and severe.
The physical symptoms of anxiety can include profuse sweating, trembling, a pounding heart, shortness of breath, lightheadedness and nausea. Sufferers can also feel restless and highly keyed up. Despite being easily tired, anxious people can have difficulty sleeping and often experience restless, unsatisfying sleep.
As well as extreme anxiety, emotional symptoms can include difficulty in concentrating, an inability to carry out everyday tasks, an avoidance of stressful situations and a tendency to make lists and to over-plan.
Sufferers may worry excessively, experience ongoing tension that escalates, their view of situations may distort unnaturally over time, they may feel “edgy”, easily startled, nauseaus, develop severe headaches, suffer exhaustion and endure frightening panic attacks.
When anxiety is not addressed, it can take hold of your life and impact your family relationships, quality of friendships and social life, work functionality and your ability to function in daily life without overwhelm.
Timely intervention makes an incredible difference for sufferers of acute anxiety.
There are several methods employed by mental health professionals to treat anxiety, including:
Like CBT, psychotherapy helps clients to identify the negative thoughts and attitudes that lead to anxiety, but unlike CBT, it doesn’t teach them to change those thoughts, but rather to focus on other thoughts that are more pleasant and rewarding.
Helping with anxiety is our specialty at Palladium Private. Clients suffering from anxiety make up the largest group attending our programs. Anxiety is often linked with a co-condition such as depression or substance misuse. Our highly qualified therapists specialise in therapeutic modalities that help pinpoint the beliefs and experiences that trigger your anxiety. They teach techniques for observing physical responses, thoughts and emotions that result when anxiety is activated.
We teach that trying to stop a painful emotion only achieves a temporary fix at best. You might get through the moment, but when faced with a similar situation again, the same subconscious beliefs will be activated and the same physical and emotional responses will occur. So at Palladium Private, we teach you unique ways to halt, alter and reverse these patterns.
It is important to note, changing the belief that causes anxiety-driven emotions such as anger or shame, does not mean you will never experience these emotions again. What it will change however, is the time you spend in that painful emotion. Your emotions are teaching you that there is more to learn about yourself. Our unique approach and comprehensive range of therapies go deep to the underlying root cause of your anxiety, giving permanent relief.
Our personally tailored, holistic and integrative programs are designed to empower you to deal with
issues in your life including:
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that tends to be characterised by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or apprehension.
It’s important to know: some anxiety is normal. We all experience it from time to time. Anxiety is a natural biological response humans innately possess, designed to be triggered in situations of danger and prepare us for fight or flight when feeling threatened or afraid.
When anxiety becomes excessive and debilitating, it may fall under an acute anxiety disorder when it becomes excessive and debilitating.
Anxiety is experienced differently by different people, and there is no one-size-fits-all way to determine whether you are experiencing an acute anxiety disorder. Knowing the most common symptoms can help:
The severity, longevity and impact of symptoms can vary significantly between individuals.
If you suspect you may be experiencing anxiety or have concerns about your mental health, seeking support from a healthcare professional is essential. They can assess your situation, diagnose you correctly, and recommend appropriate treatment options or support resources.
Acute anxiety is considered a mental illness. It falls under the category of anxiety disorders, a group of mental health conditions characterised by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or apprehension. Anxiety disorders can significantly impact a person’s daily life, relationships, and overall sense of health and well-being.
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and others. Each type has specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria, but they all involve excessive and irrational levels of anxiety or fear that interfere with functioning and quality of life.
Anxiety disorders are recognised as mental illnesses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a widely used manual for diagnosing mental health conditions. The classification as a mental illness acknowledges that anxiety disorders involve clinically significant distress and impairment.
Anxiety disorders are treatable conditions. If you are experiencing anxiety, seek professional help from healthcare providers, therapists, or psychiatrists specialising in mental health treatment.
The exact causes of anxiety are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of biological, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
While anxiety involves complex interactions between the brain and body, some chemical factors play a vital role in its development and manifestation.
Neurotransmitters – chemical messengers in the brain – are believed to be involved in anxiety. Here’s a brief look at a few key neurotransmitters and their role in anxiety:
The relationship between these neurotransmitters and anxiety is complex, and scientific researchers are still trying to understand the full relationship.
Specific chemical imbalances vary between individuals, and other factors such as genetics, life experiences, and environmental triggers also play a significant role in the development of anxiety.
As there are many causes that may cause anxiety, and these can vary between individuals, there is no definitive ‘cure’. However, anxiety disorders can be very effectively managed and treated.
Many people with anxiety disorders experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life with appropriate treatment and support. Treatment approaches typically focus on reducing symptoms, improving coping mechanisms, and enhancing overall wellbeing.
The treatment types you use will depend on your symptoms and experiences, but they may include one or more of the following:
Your approach to managing your anxiety and related symptoms should be tailored to you, and it may take some time to discover what this looks like. It’s crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, who can provide personalised guidance and monitor progress.
While a complete ‘cure’ for anxiety may not be possible, many individuals can successfully manage their anxiety symptoms, reduce the impact on their daily life, and lead fulfilling lives with appropriate treatment and support.
It is not uncommon for anxiety to cause chest pains. Many individuals with anxiety experience physical symptoms, and chest pain is one of the common manifestations.
The experience of chest pain due to anxiety can vary and range from mild discomfort to more severe sensations that can be mistaken for a heart-related issue. Experiencing these physical symptoms can be scary, painful and confusing, but they are not life-threatening.
When a person feels anxious or experiences a panic attack, their body’s stress response is activated. This response can lead to various physical sensations, including:
While chest pain can be a symptom of anxiety, it’s crucial to rule out other potential underlying medical issues, especially if this is the first time you’ve experienced it or if the pain is severe or persistent.
Relaxation techniques can help manage the symptoms, like chest pain, caused by anxiety. This includes deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga, and similar low-intensity activities.
Treating anxiety typically involves a combination of therapeutic approaches, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication.
The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of your symptoms, personal preferences, and your healthcare professional’s recommendations.
Treating anxiety may include one or more of the following:
Remember: Treatment for anxiety should be tailored to your unique situation, and it may take time to find the right combination of approaches that work for you.
It’s essential to seek support and guidance from a qualified professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or primary care physician, who can assess your situation and guide you in developing a treatment plan.
Offering support to someone experiencing anxiety can be incredibly valuable in their journey toward managing their mental health.
Knowing that someone cares, has seen what they’re going through, and is willing to help them on their journey can make a significant difference in their well-being.
You offer support to someone experiencing anxiety by:
While your support is valuable, you are not a substitute for professional help. Encourage the person to seek professional assistance if needed and be there to support them throughout their journey.
If you are experiencing anxiety symptoms, you do not have to suffer in silence. There are many ways to reach out and get the support you need to manage your mental health better and live your life fully.
Here are a few options to explore for where to go for help with anxiety:
Seeking appropriate help and support from qualified professionals specialising in mental health will provide you with an accurate diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and ongoing support for as long as needed.
Our dedicated team is on hand to talk you through these options and explore how Palladium Private might work for you and your circumstances.
To get in touch, call 1300 573 095 to speak confidentially to one of our Admissions Consultants.
