Some people experiencing anxiety do not show obvious signs and symptoms of anxiety but all tend to worry about most things and can be consumed over a variety of issues from social engagements to financial or safety concerns. People with anxiety are usually aware that they worry far too much and wish desperately that they could stop worrying.
For a person to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), meaning the anxiety is perceived to be a ‘disorder’ instead of a ‘universal human emotion’, they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months.
Other common anxiety disorders are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social phobia, panic disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hypochondriasis and somatoform disorder. Specific therapy and treatment exist for all anxiety disorders.
Here are more Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Constant thoughts that something bad is about to happen
- Constant worry that they are not doing things correctly
- Constantly asking questions and seeking reassurance
- Perfectionism
- Being argumentative, especially if they are trying to avoid a feared situation
- Dwelling on mistakes and worrying about a change in routine and unfamiliar places
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Diarrhoea
For more information about Anxiety, click the relevant button.
How to help your loved one
The first thing to do is to look for obvious signs and symptoms of anxiety so that you’ll know how to help them. The best way to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or illness such as anxiety is to offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them.
Often, we have a strong desire to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ someone else’s problem, however, this is not your role and should be left to a professional. The best thing you can do is to help them find an appropriate service through a GP, mental health phone line, mental health service or by searching online.
How to help yourself
Having someone close to you who lives with mental health challenges can be exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone especially if you think you are developing some signs and symptoms of Anxiety.
HelpingMinds® offers free and confidential support to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling, support groups, rest and revive activities, school holiday programs, family programs, youth programs and advocacy to people living in WA.
Get Support from HelpingMinds®
Would you like to know more about free and confidential mental health carer services and how we can support you? Please feel free to contact HelpingMinds® via the form below or on (08) 9427 7100. For one of our team to get back to you, we will require your email address and/or phone number. Please know all information provided will be treated completely confidential and in line with our privacy policy. HelpingMinds is a member of WAAMH. We will do our best to try and help you!
