What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a term which describes a normal feeling people experience when faced with threat or danger, or when stressed.

When people become anxious, they typically feel upset, uncomfortable and tense.

Feelings of anxiety are caused by experiences of life, such as job loss, relationship breakdown, serious illness, major accident or the death of someone close. Feeling anxious is appropriate in these situations and usually we feel anxious for only a limited time. These feelings are not regarded as clinical anxiety, but are a part of everyday life.

What are the anxiety disorders?

The anxiety disorders are a group of illnesses, each characterised by persistent feelings of high anxiety. There are feelings of continual or extreme discomfort and tension, with the fear of panic attacks, usually without discernible cause.

People are likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder when their level of anxiety and feelings of panic are so extreme that they significantly interfere with daily life and stop them doing what they want to do. This is what characterises an anxiety disorder as more than normal feelings of anxiety.

More information on anxiety disorders can be found at the following websites:

• Anxiety Treatment Australia  - Anxiety Treatment Australia provides information about anxiety disorders, the treatment options, psychologists around Australia who treat anxiety disorders, group therapy & workshops, support groups, articles, resources and links to other sites.
• SANE Australia  - SANE Australia is a national charity helping people affected by mental illness through education, applied research and campaigning for improved services and attitudes.
• Panic Anxiety Disorder Association Inc.(PADA) 
• Anxiety Disorders Support and Information Program 
• Anxiety Network Australia 

Remember, you must seek professional help from a mental health professional, mental health service, your GP or health provider when problems arise.

Last Updated: 24 April 2008
Last Reviewed: 24 April 2008