What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to fear or stressful situations. In most cases, it is a normal and helpful reaction that keeps us alert and focused. When we face a challenge, our brain triggers a series of physical and emotional responses designed to protect us. This is commonly known as the fight or flight response.
For most people, anxiety passes once the stressful situation resolves. For others, however, anxious thoughts and physical symptoms become persistent and disruptive to daily life. At that point, anxiety is no longer just a normal stress response. Instead, it becomes a condition that benefits greatly from professional support.
According to Beyond Blue, three million Australians are living with anxiety. Fortunately, anxiety responds very well to evidence-based psychological treatment.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can develop for a number of reasons, and often there is no single cause. Contributing factors may include a genetic predisposition, chronic physical health conditions, and prolonged stress or significant life changes. Additionally, trauma, substance use and other mental health conditions can all play a role.
Because every person’s experience is different, understanding your individual triggers is the foundation of effective treatment.
Types of Anxiety Conditions
Anxiety is not a single condition. Rather, there are several distinct anxiety disorders, each with their own characteristics. Our psychologists provide treatment for a broad range of these conditions.
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) involves persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations. People with GAD often find it difficult to control their worry, even when they recognise it is disproportionate.
Panic disorder involves recurring and unexpected panic attacks. These are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. As a result, many people also develop a fear of future panic attacks.
Social anxiety disorder involves an intense fear of social situations. Specifically, it centres on a persistent worry about being judged or humiliated by others. Consequently, even simple interactions such as speaking at work can feel overwhelming.
Specific phobias are intense fears of particular objects or situations. Common examples include heights, flying, needles or certain animals. Typically, the fear is disproportionate to the actual danger involved.
Agoraphobia involves a fear of situations where escape might be difficult. This can include open spaces, crowded places and public transport. In more severe cases, it can make leaving home feel impossible.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted recurring thoughts, known as obsessions. In response, repetitive behaviours or compulsions are carried out to manage the distress those thoughts cause.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety affects people differently. Symptoms can be physical, emotional or behavioural. Common signs include difficulty concentrating, persistent restlessness, rapid heartbeat, trembling or shaking, feeling lightheaded, nausea, sweating and avoidance of triggering situations.
If you recognise these patterns in yourself or someone you care about, speaking with a psychologist is a good first step. Furthermore, seeking support early can make a significant difference to how quickly things improve.
How Psychology Can Help with Anxiety
Psychologists use evidence-based approaches to treat anxiety effectively. Treatment is tailored to each individual based on their specific condition, history and goals. Some of the most well-researched approaches include the following.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and thoroughly researched treatments for anxiety. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that maintain anxiety. CBT helps patients develop practical skills to manage anxious thoughts and reduce avoidance.
Within CBT, cognitive restructuring helps patients challenge negative or catastrophic thinking and replace it with more balanced and constructive perspectives. Problem-solving strategies help build confidence in managing everyday challenges, reducing general worry over time.
Exposure therapy is a structured process that gradually guides patients through feared situations, either in real life or through imagination. Over time and with practice, the anxious response naturally reduces as patients learn that the feared outcome is unlikely or manageable.
Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, controlled breathing and mindfulness are also used to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and build overall resilience.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another evidence-based approach that helps patients develop a different relationship with anxious thoughts, reducing their impact without necessarily eliminating them.
Your psychologist will work with you to understand your individual experience and develop a treatment plan suited to your specific needs and goals.
Getting Started with RWPsychology
RWPsychology provides anxiety treatment across three South West Sydney locations:
- Shop 4, 120 Ashford Avenue, Milperra
- Suite 2.10, 90 Podium Way, Oran Park (Level 2 TRN House)
- 25a Richardson Rd, Narellan
- Telehealth Available across NSW and Australia
Medicare rebates, NDIS and Workcover accepted. To book call 02 7907 3964 or request a booking online below.
