Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia.

On average, one in four people – one in three women and one in five men – will experience anxiety at some stage in their life.

In a 12-month period, over two million Australians experience anxiety.

Anxiety is common, but the sooner people with anxiety get help, the more likely they are to recover.

Anxious feelings are usually accompanied by physical sensations such as a churning stomach, feeling light-headed, a racing heart and a heart that may be boiling and feel tight.

High levels of anxiety can cause physical tension in the jaw, neck and back as well as an emotional feeling of doom or dread.

Without some stress, we would lack the drive to achieve what we need to do each day.

However, for some, the stress increases to an anxiety that is overwhelming.

We have physical reactions that constitute the terror of panic.

We become emotionally fearful and may be crippled by anxiety and panic attacks.

Signs and symptoms

Although the experience of anxiety will vary from person to person, feeling stressed, worried, and having anxious thoughts are common symptoms. Other common symptoms of anxiety include:

They include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chills
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty concentrating
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Dry mouth
• Feelings of choking
• Headache
• Hot flushes
• Nausea or abdominal distress
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Pins and needles
• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Shortness of breath or smothering
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Upset stomach or nausea

Counselling will enable you to talk about what may be contributing to your anxiety, learn that the symptoms are not going to hurt you and explore strategies and skills to resolve and/or manage the anxiety.

Phone 03 9018 9356
Email Maralyn Karpathiou or phone 0438 056 780
Email Gabby Skelsey or phone 0419 154 579