The Little Blue Book

People with anxiety: • May find it hard to relax, and have difficulty concentrating • Can suffer insomnia and have disordered sleep patterns • Can be excessively worried about things – like their health, family, money, or work – and can be excessively fearful; with a heightened sense of watchfulness (jumpy and ‘on edge’) • Can suffer panic attacks (which may be terrifying and immobilising for the sufferer) • May suffer from obsessive thoughts and compulsion disorders (fear of contamination, obsession with cleanliness, addictive disorders such as gambling) • May also suffer physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, tension and muscle pain, sweating, hyperventilation, dizziness and faintness • May be prone to regular headaches, nausea, indigestion and bowel disturbance • Can experience loss of sexual pleasure and interest • Are at increased risk of substance-use disorders, misuse of medication and heavy alcohol-use • Are at increased risk of self-harm and suicide. SOME FACTS ABOUT ANXIETY (1) Comorbidity of mental disorders and substance use: A brief guide for the primary care clinician, Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia 2008) (2) National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2014-15); (3) The Relationship Between Work Characteristics, Wellbeing, Depression and Workplace Bullying; Summary Report – Work Wellbeing Project, Safe Work Australia 2013; Anxiety disorder frequently occurs in conjunction with other mental disorders, particularly depression and substance-use disorders. It also frequently co-occurs with thoughts of suicide, planning or attempting suicide and pain disorders (somatic symptom disorder). 1 • Anxiety is the most common form of mental disorder - 14.4% of the population will suffer an anxiety disorder in their lifetime 2 • Among Australian adults, in 2014-15, around one-in-eight women (13.0%) reported having an anxiety-related condition compared with around one-in-ten males (9.4%) 2 • Younger women are at particular risk. Women aged 15-24 years suffer anxiety-related conditions at twice the rate of men of the same age (18.9% compared with 7.9%) 2 • Individuals who experience intimidation, victimisation, bullying, isolation, at work are more at risk of anxiety, depression and mental health disorders. 3 Did you know? ! 63 ADA Australia PostScript Section 2 Section 1 Section 3