-
Shared Experiences
Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health problem, yet most people don't get help?
Conversation started by nhighet
Related Topics
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health problem. Whilst we all experience some anxiety from time to time, once it gets to the point that it is impacting on your ability to function from day to day, it's time to find out more and get help which you can get from a variety of sources. There are a range of different types of anxiety connditions including generalised anxiety (feeling anxious or ‘on edge’ all the time), obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD which leads you to have intrusive throughts (eg germs on hands) and then engage in ritualistic behaviour to alleviate these thoughts (egconstant hand washing), panic disorder (leading you to experience panic attacks) post-traumatic disorder (which may include experiencing ongoing anxiety and possible flashbacks after a tramatice event like a natural disaster).
For more information on each of these disorders and the most effective treatments check out the fact sheets. You can also go to the beyondblue website and find out where to get help including free online treatments. Find out more at www.beyondblue.org.au or call our infoline on 1300 22 4636 (for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia). -
Find a professional to answer your question
Find a professional to answer your question Search Now
-
jamieHealthShare Member
hi dr nicole
could you point me in the right direction please im desperate i for 3 years have suffered from depression and anxiety about 1 year ago was diagnosed with agoraphobia 2 months ago it got easier to leave the house i could go anywhere even a holiday 6 hours away now im back to being house bound cant go to the supermarket with out having panic attacks and all day im anxious i thought i had beat it any advice you could give me also are there any over the phone counsellling services as i have troulbe at the moment going anyway
kind regards
jamieReport this post
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post. to your account or now (it's free).
-
beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders in Australia.beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of … View Profile
Hi Jamie,
There are some excellent, effective treatments for anxiety disorders including panic disorder and agoraphobia. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an excellent treatment and it works by addressing your thinking and in particular teaching you to become more objective about the way that you view situations which are causing anxiety and challenging those fears which sounds like may be leading you to remain housebound and experince panic attack. Part of the behavioural aspect of treatment is about identifying situations which are difficult (eg going out of the house) and giving you strategies to assist you to face these situations. This inlcudes teaching you mental and physical (relaxation) strategies to bring the hyperventilation, racing heart etc symptoms under control.
You can access this through a psychologist, and under Medicare they you can have this funded in part or full. There are also FREE online programs which can be helpful and you can find this on the e-directory of services on the beyondblue website (www.beyondblue.org.au). You may also find it useful to consider some medication to start you off, this can help manage the symptoms and can be really helpful whilst you are undertaking the CBT. I would suggest you also have a look at the beyondblue factsheets on anxiety and the booklet “What works for Anxiety” which can be ordered online from our website (FREE) or you can order through our infoline 1300 22 4636.
Please let me know if I can help with other specific questions.
Kind regards,
NicoleReport this post
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post. to your account or now (it's free).
