Mental Health Matters: Recognising and Addressing Anxiety
Reviewed by the GP team at Griffin Medical Centre||5 min read
Key takeaways
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in Australia.
- Physical signs like a racing heart, muscle tension and poor sleep are part of anxiety.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy is one of the most effective treatments.
- Your GP can prepare a mental health care plan for subsidised sessions with a psychologist.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in Australia, affecting one in four people at some stage in their life. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent and excessive worry can interfere with daily activities and wellbeing.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It can manifest physically and emotionally, and may become overwhelming when persistent. Many people first notice it as a body symptom rather than a thought, which is why it is often mistaken for a heart or stomach problem.
Common symptoms
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Rapid heart rate or shortness of breath
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
Causes and triggers
Anxiety can be triggered by various factors including work stress, family issues, trauma or underlying medical conditions. Genetics and personality traits can also play a role. Poor sleep is both a trigger and a consequence, and untreated sleep disordered breathing can make symptoms noticeably worse.
Managing anxiety
Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments. It helps identify and challenge negative thinking patterns.
Medication
For moderate to severe cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed and reviewed regularly by your GP.
Lifestyle changes
Talk to a GP about this
Bulk billing for all patients with a valid Medicare card.
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate sleep
- Balanced nutrition
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
Relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness meditation: focusing on the present moment to reduce stress
- Deep breathing exercises: controlled breathing to calm the nervous system
- Progressive muscle relaxation: alternating tensing and relaxing muscle groups
Free, evidence-based self-help resources are available through healthdirect. Men in particular are less likely to seek support early, a pattern explored in our post on proactive men's health.
When to seek help
If anxiety affects your ability to function or enjoy life, speak with your GP. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Your doctor can prepare a mental health care plan, which gives you Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist. Mental health consultations are listed on our services page, and longer appointments are available if you would like more time to talk.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Griffin Medical Centre provides a safe, non-judgemental environment for mental health consultations. Griffin Medical Centre cares for families across Griffin, Murrumba Downs, North Lakes, Mango Hill and Kallangur. If you need urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
