Recognising anxiety

We all experience anxiety from time to time. Anxiety is simply our body’s way of reacting to a real or perceived threat. However when the anxiety becomes overwhelming it can have a significant impact on the sufferer’s life.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• Worry: fearing or assuming the worst will happen or things will go wrong. Particularly where

someone has difficulty managing the thoughts and is overwhelmed by them.

• Avoidance: Avoiding certain situations, people or places that cause anxiety.

• Over preparing to prevent a perceived threat.

• Panic attacks which may last several minutes.

• Physical symptoms: these may include increased pulse rate, breathing difficulties, stomach

issues, tension, feeling faint or having insomnia.

Think anxiety might be relevant to your loved one? Have them take the Black Dog Institute anxiety self-test at blackdoginstitute.org.au. (https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/digital-tools-apps/anxiety-self-test/)