Signs to look out for
- Frequent worrying
- Difficulty unwinding
- Sleep disturbance
- Breathing difficulties
- Increased heart beat in the absence of physical activity
- Increase in physical ailments such as stomach and head aches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Anxiety
Anxiety refers to an uncomfortable feeling of inner turmoil, worry or distress in anticipation of future threat (Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2013). Someone experiencing anxiety might have a feeling of fear or impending disaster and can ‘freeze’ or do things that are out of character. While low level anxiety can be an impetus to improve our performance or take the best course of action, high level anxiety makes it difficult to concentrate, can last for a long period of time and occurs without reasonable basis.
Resources and services
- Mental Health Online (opens an external site)—an internet-based treatment clinic for people with anxiety and comprises three main areas: information, clinical assessment and treatment programs. Whilst the self-help programs for those with mild anxiety are free of charge, there is a cost of $120.00 for the 12-week therapist-assisted program if you cannot afford the fee, or you are experiencing difficulty with the financial aspects of life at university it may be useful to speak with the Financial Assistance service.
- Crufad (opens an external site)—The Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression offers online information and treatment for health and wellbeing.
- The Mindspot Clinic—a free telephone and online service for Australians dealing with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. Call: 1800 61 44 34
- Reach Out—Australia’s leading online youth mental health service.
You can also contact our own Counselling or Accessibility services.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.