Anxiety
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Anxiety
(Download a pdf version of this fact sheet)
Just coping with the demands and worries of everyday life can make people feel anxious. Whether it's juggling responsibilities at work and home, worrying about children, or negotiating with a partner, life can be extremely demanding, particularly for women. So it's only natural that many of us experience feelings of anxiety. In fact, virtually everyone does at some time in their life.
Anxiety is the body.s natural response to stress or danger. It can even be helpful in preparing us to cope with big events in our lives . like exams, job interviews, or speaking in public. But sometimes the anxiety can become so intense that it starts to interfere with our ability to enjoy life or do what we have to do.
And while there are no easy answers, there are a lot of practical things we can try that will help us regain control, and find the best possible outcome for ourselves.
Commonly held myths
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It's easy to overcome anxiety, you just need to pull yourself together.
- It's no big deal for women to be anxious. It's perfectly normal . they.re all like that...it.s just part of being female.
- Anxiety is only another word for depression.
- Only hysterical or neurotic women suffer from anxiety.
Anxious people aren't suffering from an actual illness, it's all in their heads.
And the reality.
Intense and frequent anxiety attacks cause great distress and are not easy to overcome without getting help.
Anxiety is experienced by both men and women, and is not an inherently female characteristic.
Anxiety is quite different from depression. While people who suffer from anxiety attacks may feel depressed, others feel .wired., experiencing overwhelming fear, bewilderment or agitation.
Anxiety is a normal human reaction experienced by everyone at some time in their life.
Anxiety, which can severely effect a person.s ability to live happily and carry out day-to-day tasks, is recognised by health professionals as an actual medical condition.
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What is anxiety?
Anxiety is difficult to describe because it covers anything from a perfectly normal reaction to a threat or stress, right through to the feeling of total panic or dread some people experience.
No-one knows exactly what causes anxiety. It can be brought on by painful or difficult life experiences . like the death of a loved one, losing your job, overwork, or a major illness. It can also come totally out of the blue, without any warning at all. Unfortunately too, many women have to deal with some form of abuse in their lives, or in their past, and this can make them more susceptible to anxiety.
What are some of the symptoms?
While the symptoms of anxiety differ from one person to the next, probably the most common is frequent and disturbing panic attacks. Women who experience panic attacks often describe a sensation of intense and sudden terror. They talk about being unable to breathe, having sweaty palms, that they feel like they.re going to faint, or experience such severe palpitations that they think they.re having a heart attack.
Some women live with a constant fear of a panic attack which in itself is paralysing, causing them to live in a state of anxiety and dread that prevents them from making decisions, thinking clearly, or carrying out day-to-day activities.
Anxiety can also cause women to worry about things that would not normally distress them. It can make them feel uncomfortable or inadequate in social situations, or cause them to become compulsive about things like cleaning the house or washing their hands. Some become afraid of everyday situations, like taking public transport, or develop a terror of certain animals. Others feel trapped in crowded rooms, or can.t leave the house at all.
Obviously, this does not cover all the symptoms people experience, but it gives an indication of the ways anxiety can seriously interfere with everyday living.
Can anxiety be treated effectively?
There are many different treatments that women use these days to successfully manage their anxiety and regain control of their lives. Obviously, the type of treatment you decide to try will depend on the severity of your anxiety, the symptoms you suffer, and what you feel most comfortable with.
What can I do to help myself?
Don.t be afraid to tell someone you trust that you.re feeling anxious.
Be kind to yourself and don.t expect too much of yourself. Accept yourself as you are . worry and all!
Talk to someone who has felt the same way and share your feelings and ways of coping.
Take time out of your busy week just for yourself . relax in a bath, read a book, sleep in, go shopping . anything you feel you.d like to do, but never spare the time for.
Exercise regularly . you might like to go for a walk or a swim, or find out about the exercise or relaxation classes that are held in your area. Exercise is nature.s anti-depressant, so choose the exercise or relaxation that suits you . not everyone likes the same thing.
When you feel a panic attack coming on, or even while you.re in the throes of one, take time out, take three deep breaths and consciously try to let your muscles relax.
Have a look at your diet and slowly go about changing what you.re eating and drinking. Caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and mood altering drugs can greatly contribute to anxiety.
Counselling and therapy
As difficult or daunting as it may seem at first, talking to a counsellor can be a really helpful way of pinpointing the triggers, and for exploring practical ways of dealing with, and eventually overcoming, your anxiety.
Joining a self-help group can also be a great outlet for offering and receiving support from other women who understand exactly what you.re going through.
Medication
If you decide to talk to a doctor about your anxiety, it.s highly likely that they will suggest taking tranquillisers or anti-depressants as a first option. Keep in mind that you don.t have to automatically accept this advice, and can ask to take some time to make your decision.
You can also explore a range of alternative therapies like naturopathy, homeopathy, massage or aromatherapy.
In the end, the most important thing to remember is that it.s your decision, and if you prefer to use conventional medicines, you have no reason to either feel guilty or that you.ve failed in any way.
Dealing with severe anxiety
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing such severe anxiety attacks that you feel the situation is getting out of control and needs urgent attention, don.t hesitate any longer. Make an appointment with your local doctor, or ring WIRE for information and advice about your options.
Where do I go for help?
- WIRE
- Self-help and mutual support groups
- Counselling services
- Community health centres
- Family doctor
- SANE Australia
- Lifeline 13 1114
Contact WIRE
For information, support and an up-to-date contact list of the services available:
Phone 1300 134 130 for the cost of a local call, or
13 36 77 (National Relay Service for hearing impaired women)
Drop in to the Women's Information Centre on the Ground Floor, Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Email us at inforequests@wire.org.au
References
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