Anxiety, Worry & Panic
Anxiety is a normal part of life. Before something important, in uncertain times, or when something is at stake, it sharpens attention and helps us act. For most people, it passes.
It becomes a problem when it sticks around, doesn't match the situation, or starts to get in the way of daily life. That might look like constant worry, avoiding places or situations out of fear, panic attacks that come out of nowhere, or thoughts you can't switch off.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns, and they respond well to treatment.
The range of anxiety experiences
Anxiety exists on a spectrum. At one end it's a normal, useful response to life. At the other, it's a diagnosable condition that significantly affects how a person functions. Many people sit somewhere in between - struggling, but unsure whether what they're experiencing is "bad enough" to seek help. If anxiety is affecting your quality of life, that's a good reason to reach out.
What it can look like
Constant or hard-to-control worry about everyday things
Avoiding situations, places or activities out of fear
Panic attacks - sudden, intense episodes of fear with physical symptoms like a racing heart, chest tightness or breathlessness
Intrusive or unwanted thoughts, sometimes accompanied by compulsive behaviours or mental rituals
Intense self-consciousness and fear of being judged in social situations
Persistent fear of a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual risk
Physical symptoms: muscle tension, fatigue, nausea, difficulty sleeping
Conditions we work with
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Health Anxiety
Agoraphobia
Funding options
Medicare (Mental Health Care Plan from your GP)
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
WorkCover / Motor Accident Scheme / SIRA
Private health insurance
Private (self-funded)
Sessions are available in person at Meadows Medical Centre, Mullumbimby, or via Telehealth.