Are you concerned that you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety?
It’s normal to worry and feel tense or scared when under pressure or facing a stressful situation. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to danger, an automatic alarm that goes off when we feel threatened. Although it may be unpleasant, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, anxiety can help us stay alert and focused, spur us to action, and motivate us to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, when it interferes with your relationships and activities, that’s when you’ve crossed the line from normal anxiety into the territory of anxiety disorders.
Signs and symptoms you may have an anxiety disorder.
- Feeling constantly tense, worried, restless, jumpy or on edge
- Anxiety is interfering with your school, work or family commitments
- Irrational fears that you can’t get a handle on
- Avoiding everyday situations or activities because they make you anxious
- Sudden, unexpected attacks of heart pounding panic
- A sense of dread, a feeling that danger and catastrophe are around every corner
- Inability to concentrate properly, feeling like your mind has gone blank
- Constant visits to the doctor because you feel physically you are unwell
- Depressive symptoms can coexists with Anxiety disorders– Click here for the signs of depression
- Compulsive rituals or behaviours such as repeatedly washing hands, or checking things again and again to avoid or manage a predicted bad event
- Constant need to be reassured, repeatedly checking on family and friends
What is an Anxiety attack or Panic Attack?
Anxiety attacks, which are also referred to as panic attacks, are episodes of intense panic or fear that, can occur suddenly and without warning. Sometimes there is an obvious trigger such as getting stuck in an elevator or thinking about the big speech you’re giving in a few hours but often they feel as though they come out of the blue.
Anxiety attacks usually peak within ten minutes, and they rarely last more than a half hour. But during that short time, the terror can be so severe that you feel as if you’re about to die or totally lose control. The physical symptoms are themselves so frightening that many people believe they’re having a heart attack. After an anxiety attack is over, you may be worried about having another one, particularly in a public place where help isn’t available or you can’t easily escape.
We can help
Anxiety disorders respond very well to treatment. Depending on the type of anxiety and its severity generally most anxiety disorders are treated with behavioural therapy, exercise, relaxation techniques and in some cases medication. At Byron Private we understand the importance of a holistic anxiety treatment and have weaved throughout the program a range of proven complementary therapies. We believe in the healing power of nature with our rehabilitation centre set in the hinterland of Byron Bay, surrounded by abundant wildlife and fauna far removed from a clinical atmosphere.
Byron Private offers an effective pathway to recovery for those struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance use, PTSD and eating disorders. If you or someone you love is struggling, please reach out to our clinical team for a confidential discussion on 02 6684 4145 or via our online contact form.
