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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I tell if I have an anxiety disorder or if my environment is causing me stress?

    Related Topics
    Anxiety Mental Health
    I suffer from a lot of anxiety although I'm pretty sure it is due to my job. I am stressed at work and I carry these thoughts with me when I go home. Should I see a therapist? Or if it is simply my job then what?
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    • Leanne Hall
    • Renee Mill
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  • Leanne Hall

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Integrative Psychologist, Health Coach & Personal Trainer in private practice. I have expertise in assessing and treating a range of disorders and conditions; depression, anxiety, … View Profile

    The difference between stress and anxiety is sometimes difficult to determine. Generally, stress is a response to a specific stressor whereas anxiety is a consequence of stress and often continues even after the stressor has gone. Work can certainly be a significant stressor, however the fact that you mention you find it hard to switch off, suggests that perhaps you could do with learning some stress management skills. We all experience stress and anxiety from time to time, however if you are finding that it's affecting how you function at work and/or home, then it's a good idea to stop and look at your environment and how you are reacting to it. I would suggest the following:
    1. Get back to basics: Make sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat healthy nutritious food. Stress has negative effects on your body - so it's important to start by getting this part right.
    2. Think about what would need to change at work for you to feel better. Is any of this in your control? If not, how can you change your behaviour to make things less stressful (eg, do you need to work on your boundaries, such as saying “no”).
    3. Learn some relaxation strategies. It's important to find balance in your life. If you have a stressful job, you need to make time to balance this out at home. Try meditation, walking, yoga. 
    4. Set some goals. Start with the easy ones…..your next holiday, something exciting. Then look at work/career goals. Goals must be SMART: Small, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.

    If this does not help, or if you find you are still experiencing significant anxiety, perhaps see your GP for a referral to a clinical psychologist.

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  • Renee Mill

    Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist

    Empowering people is my passion and life work. I have been working as a Clinical Psychologist in private practice for over thirty years. I have … View Profile

    Your question is a very common one in today's world which is fast and high pressured. Therefore it is not easy to work out alone whether it is the job per se which is causing stress. A competent health professional will help you to look at patterns in your life as well as other stressors that may be at play. However, even if it is your job, and leaving it would make all the difference , learning to switch off at the end of a days work is essential.

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