As children, teenagers and adults we all experience anxiety and stress from time to time. But sometimes anxiety can come to dominate our life and limit us from doing important things we want to do. In Australia on average one in three women and one in five men will experience an anxiety disorder at some stage in their life (Beyond Blue). One in ten children experience anxiety at a level that causes them to have problems (Macquarie University Anxiety Research Unit). Difficulties with anxiety include generalized anxiety (feeling anxious most days), specific phobias, panic attacks, social anxiety, exam anxiety, separation anxiety, school refusal, bullying, low self confidence and obsessive compulsive disorder.

 

With anxiety you may experience physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea or stomach aches. You may have feelings of apprehension or dread, difficulty concentrating and negative thoughts regarding your ability to cope. And so you may consistently avoid uncomfortable situations, which then reduces your confidence and quality of life.

 

At these times it is likely we need help to manage our anxiety – the sooner children and adults with anxiety get help, the easier it is to recover. Therapy needs to include a focus on our thoughts, feelings and body, helping us to cope with anxiety with greater confidence and equanimity.

 

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