About anxiety disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety can be a trigger to help us avoid danger, and it can give us the adrenaline boost we need to cope with or avoid stressful situations. At normal levels, anxiety is a feeling of unease or a mild sense of panic.
An anxiety disorder is when the level of fear, discomfort and concern you or your loved one experiences rises above normal levels, disrupting everyday life at home, at work or when socialising with friends and family. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- generalised anxiety disorder – excessive, uncontrollable worrying, often accompanied by a feeling of restlessness, inability to focus, irritability and sleep difficulties
- panic disorder – having or fearing having panic attacks, including fear of death, illness or insanity arising from a panic attack, and avoiding situations that could cause an attack
- phobia – including social anxiety disorder (fear of social situations or feeling embarrassed in front of other people) and fear of flying, spiders, needles or other situations or things
- obsessive compulsive disorder – the suppression of unwanted thoughts through repetitive compulsive actions such as washing hands, checking or counting
- post-traumatic stress disorder – disturbance following a traumatic event, either through direct involvement or as a witness.
It is estimated that one in four people will suffer from an anxiety disorder or panic attack in their lives. The professional, caring treatment offered by Wesley Hospital Ashfield and Wesley Hospital Kogarah is effective, allowing many people with an anxiety disorder to reconnect and live fulfilled, productive lives.
Effects of anxiety disorders
An anxiety disorder affects physical, emotional, mental and behavioural aspects of life.
Physical effects of anxiety disorder:
- tremors or feeling shaky
- shortness of breath
- hyperventilating
- heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat
- dizziness
- sweating
- headaches
- muscular pain
- dry mouth
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- difficulty sleeping
Emotional effects of anxiety disorder:
- feeling irritable
- feeling on edge and agitated
- feeling unable to cope
