Anxiety

Anxiety is a term that commonly refers to excessive to worry. Anxiety is also a collective term for a broad range of conditions that include generalised anxiety disorder, panic attacks, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and a whole heap of phobias.

Do I have anxiety?

Everybody experiences anxiety so the key question is – Do I have an anxiety problem?  Clearly if you are concerned about your level of anxiety then the first step is a visit to your doctor for a correct diagnosis.  Below is list of some common symptoms.  The symptoms of the anxiety condition will vary.  Children with an anxiety disorder may display behaviours such as bed wetting, poor concentration, learning difficulties, social withdrawal and bad behaviour.

Adult symptoms of anxiety

Physical sensations: Increased heart rate, headache, vomiting, stomach pain, ulcers, diarrhoea, tingling, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, easily tired.

Thinking changes: Feelings of not being able to cope, poor concentration, thoughts of worthlessness, irritated and thoughts that people close to you will be harmed.

Behaviours: Excessive cleaning, washing hands and avoiding places.

Medicare

Under Australia's Medicare system professional help is often free or at a significantly reduced cost. The first step is to consult with your general practitioner. When you make your appointment tell the receptionist that you would like a mental health care plan and they will book you in for a slightly longer session.  If you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, your GP may give you three options; medication only, psychological counselling and both.   If you decide to see a psychologist you can claim under six sessions with a psychologist with standard rebates. For psychologists that bulk bill this will mean treatment is essentially free and for other psychologists you can expect to pay around $40-$60 for a one hour session. 

The most effective psychological treatment

Scientific research has shown the most effective psychological treatment for most anxiety disorders is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  This treatment focuses on your thinking and behaviours and assists you to challenge and develop new thoughts and actions.  For some anxiety disorders treatment may just consist of exposure therapy.  Here you are gradually exposed to a series of pictures, sounds, videos and tasks that slowly build resilience to your fear.  This treatment is very effective for certain anxiety conditions.

Bookings

If you are interested in six sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy for an anxiety disorder at no charge then phone 0416 157751 for an appointment. After 5pm weekday sessions available.