Understanding Anxiety

Reviewed by Sally Tanner, MA Counselling, ACA Level 2 Registered Counsellor
Last reviewed: July 2026

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Anxiety at a Glance

Anxiety is a normal human response to perceived threat or uncertainty. Everyone experiences anxiety at times, but when anxious thoughts, emotions or physical responses become persistent, overwhelming, or begin interfering with everyday life, it may be helpful to learn more about what you're experiencing and explore appropriate support.

Key Takeaways

Anxiety is a normal part of the body's built-in survival response.
Anxiety can affect people in different ways.
Anxiety is one of Australia's most common mental health concerns.
Many people find that understanding anxiety is an important first step towards managing it.
Support is available if anxiety begins affecting your daily life.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the body's natural response to situations that feel uncertain, challenging, or potentially threatening. It helps prepare us to respond by increasing alertness and directing our attention towards possible danger.

In many situations, anxiety is helpful. It can motivate us to prepare for an important event, respond quickly in an emergency, or pay attention to potential risks.

Sometimes, however, the body's threat response becomes activated more often than it needs to or remains switched on even when there is no immediate danger. When anxiety becomes frequent, intense, or begins interfering with work, relationships, study, sleep, or everyday activities, it may be helpful to seek further information or professional support.

Why Anxiety Happens

Our brains are constantly scanning our surroundings for signs of potential danger. When something is perceived as threatening - whether that threat is physical, emotional or social - the nervous system automatically prepares the body to respond.

This response is commonly known as the fight, flight or freeze response. Stress hormones are released, heart rate increases, breathing changes, muscles become more alert, and attention narrows towards staying safe.

Although this response evolved to protect us from immediate physical danger, modern life can activate the same system in response to deadlines, uncertainty, conflict, health concerns, financial pressures, or other everyday stressors.

Because this response happens automatically, it's common to notice that something feels "off" before you've consciously identified what is making you feel anxious. If you'd like to learn more about how anxiety can affect thoughts, emotions and the body, explore the related topics below.

How Common Is Anxiety in Australia?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns experienced by Australians.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020–2022), 17.2% of Australians aged 16–85 - around one in six people - experienced an anxiety disorder within a 12-month period, making anxiety disorders the most common group of mental health conditions in Australia.

These figures remind us that anxiety is a common human experience, and many people seek information, support or treatment at different points throughout their lives.

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When Might It Be Helpful to Seek Support?

Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of being human.

You may wish to consider speaking with a qualified health professional if anxiety is:

occurring frequently
lasting for an extended period
causing significant distress
affecting your work, study, relationships or daily life
making it difficult to do the things that matter to you.

Some people find self-guided resources helpful, while others choose to speak with a GP, counsellor, psychologist or another qualified healthcare professional. The right approach depends on your individual circumstances.

If you'd like to learn more about counselling, explore our Anxiety & Burnout Counselling service.

Need Immediate Support?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or there is an immediate risk of harm, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

If you're experiencing emotional distress and would like to speak with someone now, confidential support is available:

Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Beyond Blue Support Service - 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

If your concerns are not urgent but you'd like professional support, speaking with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional can be a helpful first step.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this page resonates with what you've been experiencing, we're here to help.

Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs, ask questions and decide whether counselling feels like the right next step for you.

Or learn more about our Anxiety & Burnout Counselling service.

Trusted Resources

For further evidence-based information, we recommend the following organisations. We are not affiliated with these organisations.

healthdirect Australia - Anxiety
Beyond Blue - Anxiety
Black Dog Institute - Anxiety
World Health Organization - Anxiety Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

Is anxiety the same as stress?

Stress and anxiety are closely related, but they are not the same. Stress usually develops in response to a specific challenge or demand, while anxiety can continue even after a stressor has passed. We'll explore this distinction further in our upcoming Stress & Burnout pillar.

Is anxiety always a mental health condition?

No. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. Anxiety becomes more concerning when it is persistent, overwhelming or begins affecting everyday life.

Can anxiety affect both the mind and body?

Yes. Anxiety can influence thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physical sensations. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, which is why experiences can vary from person to person.

Can anxiety improve?

Many people find that understanding anxiety, learning practical coping strategies and accessing appropriate support helps them manage anxiety more effectively.

When should I seek professional support?

If anxiety is causing ongoing distress or interfering with your work, relationships, study or quality of life, it may be helpful to speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

What kinds of support are available?

Support may include education, lifestyle strategies, counselling, psychological therapies or medical care, depending on your individual circumstances.

We're Here When You're Ready

Whether you're looking to better understand anxiety or considering counselling, we're here to help.

Book a free 15-minute consultation or learn more about our Anxiety & Burnout Counselling service.

This page provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical or mental health advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, speak with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional.