Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems experienced. It is estimated that approximately 14 percent of Australians will be affected by an anxiety disorder in any 12-month period.
Anxiety disorders can take many forms. A person may experience more than one anxiety disorder. Some people may also experience depression with anxiety, or have problems with alcohol or drugs.
A person with an anxiety disorder typically feels distressed most of the time, even if there appears to be no obvious reasons. The person might have:
- Ongoing and intense worry about a number of different events associated with heightened tension
- Intense excessive worry in social situations
- Panic attacks
- Compulsions and obsessions that they cannot control
- An intense and irrational fear of everyday objects and situations
Other symptoms of anxiety can include difficulties breathing, a pounding heart, sweating, upset stomach, muscle tension, headache, choking, or feeling faint.
There are effective treatments for anxiety that can help people to learn to manage with their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the primary evidence-based psychological interventions for anxiety and typically the intervention offered at Open Horizons Psychology.
CBT for anxiety involves developing a collaborative understanding about an individual’s experience of anxiety taking into account a person’s environment, culture, beliefs, thinking patterns and behaviours.
CBT for anxiety involves understanding how anxiety works and learning breathing and relaxation strategies. It involves learning to recognise thoughts and behaviour patterns and developing ways to promote more helpful patterns, let go of worries and solve problems.
CBT can also involve learning to understand and recognise various feelings as well as learning to be mindful of focusing on what is meaningful in a person’s life.
© Open Horizons Psychology