Anxiety
Anxiety is one of Australia’s most common mental health conditions, affecting around 1 in 4 people at some point. Occasional anxiety is a normal stress response. Persistent worry that disrupts daily life points to an anxiety condition rather than everyday stress.
Anxiety responds well to treatment, and most people improve. This page covers what anxiety looks like, what causes it, and how it’s treated.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
How anxiety shows up varies with the person and the specific type (generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and specific phobias).
Emotional & cognitive
- Persistent, excessive worry that’s hard to control
- Feeling on edge, restless or keyed up
- Trouble concentrating, or the mind going blank
- Anticipating the worst-case scenario
- Irritability
- Avoiding situations, places or people out of fear or worry
Physical
- Racing heart or palpitations
- Muscle tension, tightness or aches
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Sweating, trembling or shaking
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Sleep difficulties, and fatigue despite feeling wired
Diagnosis usually applies when symptoms persist (generally most days for six months or more in generalised anxiety) and cause distress or get in the way of functioning. Panic attacks are distinct, sudden episodes of fear with physical symptoms that peak within minutes.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety usually develops from a mix of factors.
Biological
Genetics, brain chemistry and temperament increase susceptibility.
Life circumstances
Major changes, ongoing stress, financial pressure or work demands.
Psychological
Catastrophic thinking, perfectionism, or past trauma.
Learned responses
Earlier experiences where avoidance or worry felt protective.
Other health conditions
Anxiety often co-occurs with depression, chronic illness or substance use.
Identifying what’s contributing during early therapy helps work out the most effective approach.
How is anxiety treated?
Psychological therapy, sometimes alongside medication from a GP or psychiatrist, is the standard approach.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Identifying and reframing the thought patterns driving anxious feelings. Widely considered first-line treatment.
Exposure therapy
Gradually and safely facing feared situations to reduce avoidance. Particularly effective for phobias and panic disorder.
Acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT)
Building tolerance for uncomfortable feelings while staying engaged with activities that matter.
Mindfulness-based approaches
Skills to manage physical and cognitive symptoms as they come up.
Which approach fits depends on the type of anxiety, how it presents, and your preferences.
When should I see a psychologist about anxiety?
Support is worthwhile if you experience:
- Worry that’s hard to control and present most days
- Physical symptoms (racing heart, tension, sleep problems) with no clear medical cause
- Avoiding situations, places or responsibilities because of anxiety
- Anxiety affecting work, study or relationships
- Panic attacks, or fear of having one
A GP can set you up with a Mental Health Care Plan under Medicare’s Better Access scheme, which covers a rebate for a set number of psychology sessions each year.
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Get matched with a psychologistFrequently asked questions
What’s the difference between normal worry and an anxiety condition?
Normal worry is usually tied to a specific situation and eases once it’s resolved. An anxiety condition involves worry that’s persistent, often out of proportion to the situation, hard to control, and disruptive to daily life.
Can anxiety go away without treatment?
Mild, situational anxiety may ease with time, rest or lifestyle changes. Ongoing or severe anxiety conditions usually need therapy to resolve.
How long does treatment for anxiety take?
It varies with the person and the type of anxiety. Some notice improvement within a few sessions using structured approaches like CBT; others benefit from longer-term support.
Do I need a GP referral to see a psychologist for anxiety?
No. You can see a psychologist directly. A GP referral is only needed for a Medicare rebate through a Mental Health Care Plan.
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Anxiety conditions such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder are recognised mental health conditions. Everyday anxiety in response to stress is a normal human experience and isn’t itself a diagnosis.
Is online therapy effective for anxiety?
Telehealth psychology sessions work well for many people with anxiety, including exposure-based approaches, and offer more flexibility for people with scheduling constraints or in regional areas.
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