Polyvagal Theory is a comprehensive evolutionary model for understanding and treating anxiety and panic disorders. General anxiety disorder and panic disorders are two of the most common mental conditions in Australia and around the world. The difference between the two is that anxiety disorders are mainly characterised by excessive worry brought about from perceived threats; […]
Initial Support Goes A Long Way
My life has transformed completely only thanks to that little bit of initial support, after years of suffering in silence. For as long and as far back as I can remember, I have suffered from anxiety. Ever since I was in middle school I have been very nervous and constantly overthinks everything. I remember skipping […]
Portrait Of Strangers
Anxiety sufferers – you are not alone! Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 1 in 4 people will suffer from anxiety. However, many are afraid to speak out about their experience and seek help, fearing judgement from those around them. In a recent interview […]
6 Useful Mobile Apps for Anxiety Self-Help
Helpful relaxation tools in the palm of your hand. Behavioural therapy is one of the best treatments for anxiety disorders, however, sufferers often have difficulty accessing this resource for reasons such as high cost, lack of time, waiting lists and the social stigma around seeking help. With the explosion of technology and specifically “apps to […]
What is ASMR and Can It Help With Anxiety?
A look at the science behind the strange whispering videos that have taken over one corner of the internet. ASMR has taken the media by storm lately – you may have read coverage from BBC News, the New York Times, or one of the countless other sources in recent months. But what does ASMR stand […]
How to Recognise a Panic Attack
Would you know a panic attack if it is happening right in front of you? Panic attacks are very common – according to a 2008 survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 40% of Australians will experience a panic attack at some point in their lives. Knowing this, it’s hard to understand why there’s […]
Myth vs Fact: Herbal Remedies are an Effective Treatment for Anxiety
Some “natural” medicines can do more harm than good. Healthcare professionals know that the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders are behavioural therapy, medication or a combination of the two. However, seeing a therapist or opening up to your GP can be a difficult hurdle for many people to overcome. No thanks to media sensationalism, […]
Myth vs Fact: Anxiety Is Part Of Who I Am And I Can’t Change Who I Am.
You are not born to be anxious. Sometimes, especially when we have been dealing with anxiety for a long time, we surrender to the idea that our personality is like this and cannot be changed anymore. This idea is dangerous as it convinces us not to seek treatment and succumb to a lifetime of emotional […]
Supporting Someone With Anxiety
Practical tips for helping someone with anxiety. Dealing with intense and persistent feelings of anxiety can be overwhelming, both for the person experiencing these feelings and for those close to them. If your loved ones are living with an anxiety disorder, you might often find yourself concerned about supporting them. Feeling helpless is not uncommon […]
Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder is a mental illness where your anxiety gets out of control and starts to affect your life. Each one of us can relate to the experience of anxiety in one way or another. Anxiety is that unpleasant feeling of nervousness and unease, usually accompanied by worries about what may come in the near or distant future. […]