What is anxiety?
* Anxiety is a perception of threat - feeling under pressure, feeling unsafe, feeling aroused
* Most people feel anxious and worried from time to time, especially faced with a stressful situation (eg exam, job interview)
* Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is when a person feels anxious and worried most of the time, interfering with their normal lives
* For people with GAD, minor issues lead to uncontrollable worries and a feeling that something terrible will happen
What are the physical signs and symptoms of anxiety?
* Racing heart
* Tightening of the chest
* Rapid breathing
* Muscle tension
* Butterflies in stomach
* Headache
* High startle reflex
* Fatigue
* Digestive problems
* Disturbed sleep
What can anxiety look like in the workplace?
* Avoidance of tasks or situations
* Difficulty focusing, constantly move from one task to the other
* Procrastination
Lifestyle Measures to Manage Anxiety:
* Physical exercise
* Healthy diet
* Enough sleep
* Time out for relaxation
* Seek social support
(Source: Beyond Blue, clinical psychologist Dr Sarah Sarah Edelman)
Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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