Signs and symptoms of anxiety vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, frequency of symptoms, severity of the disorder, and any pre-existing mental health disorders. Symptoms may include:
- Physical: panic attacks, hot and cold flashes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, rapid breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy
- Psychological: excessive fear, worry, catastrophising, or obsessive thinking
- Behavioural: avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations which can impact on study, work, or social life functioning
When should I see a health professional?
Worries don’t always go away on their own, and sometimes get worse over time if you don't seek help. See someone in our team before your anxiety gets worse. Getting help early can make treatment simpler and progress faster.
Think about connecting with us for treatment or support if:
- You feel like you're worrying too much and it's interfering with your relationships, work, or other areas of your life
- Your fear, worry, or anxiety is distressing you and becoming challenging to control
- You have suicidal thoughts or behaviours — if this is the case, contact emergency services immediately
- You’re self-soothing your anxiety in ways you want to change, such as alcohol or substance use, aggression, eating (overeating or abstaining), or other addictive behaviours
- You think your anxiety might stem from a physical health problem
