TOO many people still don’t know that anxiety conditions are genuine mental health issues and do not realise how common they are, despite more than a quarter of Australians experiencing an anxiety condition during their lives, according to beyondblue.
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These findings are contained in new analyses that show thousands of Australians with these conditions don’t seek support because they don’t realise that what they’re experiencing is treatable.
Beyondblue chief executive officer Georgie Harman said it indicated many people didn’t recognise anxiety symptoms such as hot and cold flushes, racing heart, snowballing worries and compulsive behaviour were signs they could be experiencing a mental health issue, and instead thought the symptoms were just a part of their personality.
She said this had prompted beyondblue to revive its national Get To Know Anxiety campaign to help people recognise the signs and symptoms so they can get treatment and get better.
“Anxiety is a debilitating condition that robs people of their peace of mind. It can stop people leaving their homes, holding down a job, maintaining relationships or doing everyday things because of irrational fears of what could happen.
“It’s a problem that can prevent people from living the life they want. No one should have to live with the relentless worrying, panic attacks or compulsive rituals that often characterise anxiety conditions,” she said.
“This analysis shows only half the population knows anxiety is not part of someone’s personality. Similarly, only six in 10 people understand that anxiety is not just stress.
“An anxiety condition is different from stress, which everyone experiences occasionally. An anxiety disorder is not part of a person’s ‘personality’ and it’s ridiculous to think so. If people continue to see anxiety conditions as just stress or a character trait, they will never seek help and they will never get treatment.”
To learn more about anxiety conditions and the campaign visit www.beyondblue.org .au/anxiety
If you think you or someone you care about may be experiencing anxiety symptoms, you can talk to trained mental health professionals 24/7 via the beyondblue Support Service on 1300 22 4636, via web chat from 3pm to midnight every night at www.beyondblue.org.au/ get-support or via email.