Navigating anxiety in Australia in 2024: understanding its impact and finding support
Did you know that every month in Australia, people search online approximately 33,100 times for information about anxiety?*
Generally, what people are searching for reflects what is happening in the community, so this statistic gives an indication of the prevalence of anxiety in the community and, more generally, a sense of the broader mental health issue across Australia.
According to the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, anxiety disorders typically involve feelings of tension, distress, or nervousness. A person experiencing anxiety may avoid situations in which they feel anxious, which can negatively impact their daily life (ABS, 2023).
Have you noticed tensions rising in society? In your local community, your friendship group, your family—or maybe within yourself? If you feel like this could be an issue, you are certainly not alone. Making this connection is one of the first things you can do to start working to improve your health.
It is important to know there are many services available that can provide clinical support for what you are experiencing.
Australia’s anxiety: common and significant
It is becoming more common for people to experience mental health concerns or be diagnosed with a mental health disorder – yet that does not make an individual’s experience of anxiety any less significant.
Common does not mean ‘Just Deal With It’. Seeking help is a very important step.
According to the recent National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (ABS, 2023); over 40% of Australians 16-85 have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their life.
Anxiety was the most common mental health disorder experienced in the 12 months before the study (17.2% of people aged 16–85 years).
Searching for health information about anxiety is common in all states, demonstrating that this is an issue Australia-wide, which is backed up by mental health disorder prevalence data in this report.
Mental health literacy matters
We can see that there is a high level of mental distress across the country. But what can we do about it? At the ground level, building health literacy in the community is a wonderful thing. When people understand what mental health wellness is versus mental health issues, they are more able to recognise symptoms of deteriorating mental health and seek support or treatment.
What is not identified is not addressed and, therefore, is unresolved.
So, although it is troubling that the stats about mental health issues are high in our country – we can see that people are also investing time in understanding that what is happening to their bodies is a result of their mental health. They are noticing a mind-body connection and seeing how anxiety shows up physically in other parts of the body. While “Dr. Google” has been known to cause anxiety itself at times – there is certainly a place for people to access and use online health information to understand their own situation.
One of the key aspects of my practice working with clients is giving you the tools and resources to build the skills to address your current mental health challenges. We work together on practical strategies that help you achieve your mental wellbeing goals.
Understanding anxiety: what are people searching?
Some of the most searched information on this topic shows that people want to understand what anxiety is, its causes, and how anxiety manifests as physical symptoms. They also want to know more about its chronic and persistent nature, and the prognosis for someone with anxiety. One of the most common questions individuals ask me is whether anxiety will ever go away. This uncertainty highlights the pervasive nature of anxiety and the longing for relief.
Ten of the most common searches about anxiety include:
What is anxiety?
Will anxiety cause (one of) chest pain, diarrhoea, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, stomach pains, headaches, heart palpitations, constipation…?
Can anxiety be cured?
Can anxiety kill you?
Will anxiety ever go away?
Are anxiety and panic attacks the same?
Anxiety, where to get help?
Are anxiety and depression the same?
Are anxiety and depression genetic?
Are anxiety and ADHD related?
The good news is that although anxiety can come and go throughout our lives, and some people are more prone to experience prolonged high levels of anxiety more often, there are ways to address, manage, reduce and improve anxiety.
The next step: searching for help
If you are searching for information about anxiety, did you know that you can access online support for anxiety and other mental health issues?
Telehealth therapy is a convenient and effective option for people experiencing anxiety. Accessing professional mental health support can help you work through problems and challenges you are facing now and develop skills and solutions for the future. If your gut is telling you that something is wrong, it is okay and important to seek help. Yes, you CAN improve your wellbeing and start to feel better.
Through Be and Become Psychology, I offer tailored treatment and practical tools to navigate the complexities of anxiety. If you are interested in finding out more about my service or would like to make a booking, please contact me.
Appointments are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Contact me to find out more information or to make a booking. Check out details of fees and charges, including details of Mental Health Care Plans and self-referrals.
References:
*Answer the Public, 24 March 2024
National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, (ABS 2023)
Google Trends, 26 March 2024