Anxiety

 Anxiety is a natural and usually short-lived reaction to a stressful situation, associated with feelings of worry, nervousness or apprehension. It typically occurs in new, unfamiliar or challenging situations, where you might not feel up to the task, or where the outcome is uncertain. The first day of school, sitting an exam, speaking in front of an audience, or attending a job interview are all situations in which most people feel some anxiety.

Commom symptoms of anxiety include:

• difficulty concentrating
• restlessness
• rapid heartbeat
• trembling or shaking
• feeling light-headed or faint
• numbness or nausea
• sweating
• avoidance.

While anxiety is usually a natural and short-lived reaction to a stressful situation, for some people anxious thoughts, feelings, or physical symptoms can become chronic, severe and upsetting, and interrupt daily life.  Severe, frequent, recurring, and persistent anxiety symptoms may be considered an anxiety disorder.  Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder diagnosed in Australia affecting around 14% of Australians every year.