Understanding the Many Faces of Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural and necessary human response to stress or danger, but when it becomes chronic, overwhelming or disproportionate to the situation, it can interfere significantly with daily life. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions and manifest in different forms—each with distinct characteristics, yet all sharing a core feature: excessive fear or worry that is difficult to control.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterised by persistent and excessive worry about a range of everyday issues—such as work responsibilities, health, finances or relationships. This worry is difficult to manage and often feels uncontrollable, even when there is little or no reason for concern. Individuals with GAD may also experience physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability and difficulty sleeping or concentrating. The anxiety is not confined to any one situation, which distinguishes GAD from more specific anxiety disorders.

In therapy we can help you understand and work through the driving forces behind the generalised anxiety, to reconsider your perspective on matters via cognitive restructuring and to set up behavioural experiments to learn for yourself how to better approach life challenges; it’s quite possible to un-learn the habitual practice of excessive worry in order to have greater peace of mind and confidence.

Phobias

Phobias involve intense, irrational fears of particular objects or situations—such as flying, heights, animals or receiving an injection. While many people have mild fears, a phobia causes such strong anxiety that individuals often go to great lengths to avoid the trigger, sometimes disrupting their daily routines, work or relationships. The fear experienced is out of proportion to the actual threat posed, yet it feels very real and can be debilitating.
Therapeutic intervention to overcome such phobias involves systematic desensitisation where the therapist supports you to confront and eliminate/reduce the flight/fight response.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is defined by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes. Symptoms may include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, and feelings of losing control or impending doom. What makes panic disorder particularly challenging is the fear of future attacks, which can lead individuals to avoid certain places or activities, potentially resulting in agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult).

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is marked by the presence of obsessions—recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress—and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviours or mental acts performed in an attempt to reduce that distress or prevent a feared event. For example, a person might repeatedly wash their hands to alleviate fears of contamination or check locks and appliances to ensure safety. These rituals can become time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Impact and Treatment

Anxiety disorders can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including work, school, physical health, and interpersonal relationships. Fortunately, they are highly treatable. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments available. It helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, gradually face feared situations, and develop healthier coping strategies. In some cases, medication may also be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

As a registered psychologist, I work collaboratively with clients to create tailored treatment approaches that address their unique concerns and strengths. With the right support, individuals struggling with anxiety can regain control, build resilience and improve their overall well-being.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If anxiety is interfering with your ability to live fully, you don’t have to face it alone. Evidence-based treatment can make a real difference. I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and explore how therapy can support your goals.

Call us today or book online to begin your path toward greater clarity, calm and confidence.