Anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common amongst Australians and current statistics say it will affect 1 in 4 Australians at some stage in their life. Its normal to feel worry and some anxiousness from time to time but when it begins to occur to a point where it is affecting your ability to function, its already a sign that you need to get to the bottom of why it is happening.

Sometimes we feel apprehensive and powerless in certain situations, we may feel unnecessarily high levels of guilt or sadness linked to action or inaction for an event in our lives. We may think something bad is going to happen like that eerie sense in the gut that just won’t go away. Sometimes we feel that by doing something or going somewhere in particular, it may cause us to front danger or triggers to our other underlying mental health conditions. At times we may be feeling all these things without any evidence to suggest there any dangers ahead. We can feel extremely lethargic and sore afterwards due to the experience for our body and we may be wanting to isolate as a result. It is not your fault when you experience anxiety attacks

The mind races, heart rate increases, chest tightness and at times the symptoms can mimic a heart attack. Ironically, if we notice the symptoms mimicking a heart attack, it can increase the symptoms as we panic even further. 
It is strongly recommended that you seek help in those moments although even if a heart attack is ruled out, you should continue to seek help to understand why it occurred in the first place.

During an anxiety attack, the entire body is affected, from movement and thinking to the function of every organ, muscle, joint, and fiber. The body enters a heightened state of fight or flight, leading to difficulties with speech, taste, digestion, vision, circulation, hearing, elimination, and even breathing. This results in intense stress and tension throughout the body. Anxiety attacks may develop gradually over several hours or minutes, or they can occur suddenly and without warning.

Consulting a doctor and seeking a referral to trained professionals is important for managing anxiety. Avoiding known triggers as much as possible can help, though this may be challenging depending on individual circumstances. There are several modifiable strategies that can support well-being, including reducing caffeine intake, participating in hobbies or mindfulness activities, practicing breathing exercises, engaging in physical activity when possible, meditation, massages, warm baths, aromatherapy, listening to calming sounds, making dietary changes to increase vitamins and minerals, and talking to someone about the experience. Seeking help is a positive step toward self-care and improving quality of life.

If at anytime you feel anxious, or feel the impending anxiety attack, call the numbers below and get help right away. You don't have to go through it alone. 
Below is a list of numbers for you to call across Australia and sorted via stare. 
URGENT MENTAL HEALTH HELP available 24 hours 7 days per week: 

• NSW 1800 011 511 
• QLD 1300 64 22 55
• WA 1300 555 788
• ACT 1800 629 354
• NT  1800 682 288
• TAS 1800 332 388
• SA 13 14 65
  

Non urgent help:
Link: Confidential Mental Health Support: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ 
Link: Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 
Link: Australian Gov Resources for Mental Health: https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/ 

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety 
https://au.reachout.com/articles/what-is-anxiety