ANXIETY

Anxiety is normal. It is a feeling we may experience before a presentation, a test or when facing a new situation. It is not unlike other transient emotions we go through on a daily basis. However, in certain periods of our lives (when we may have faced a traumatic or life-altering situation for example) or due to pre-existing vulnerabilities, we may start to experience anxiety on a more persistent and distressing basis. This is when anxiety can become a problem.

When anxiety is experienced persistently for 6 months or more and is impacting your work/school, relationships, social life, sleep and general functioning, then this is where a psychologist might do an assessment and determine if you have an anxiety disorder.

Some of the more common anxiety disorders experienced include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia and Illness Anxiety Disorder.

In addition, pregnancy and post-pregnancy can bring out anxieties in mums and dads and this is usually referred to as Perinatal Anxiety.

Persistent and distressing anxiety can be managed and the impact on your daily life can be reduced through psychotherapy or a mix of psychotherapy with medication. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidenced based approaches typically used to address persistent anxiety. Please contact me if you would like help to manage your anxiety.