Health

25th May, 2026What is Anxiety? Symptoms, Causes, and How to Manage It

Feeling anxious from time to time is part of being human. But for around 1 in 5 Australians, anxiety becomes persistent enough to interfere with everyday life. If you’ve been feeling on edge, struggling to switch off, or noticing your body in a constant state of alert, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate it on your own.

This guide explains what anxiety is, the physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms it can cause, what often drives it, and practical tips for managing anxiety, including when to reach out to a psychologist in Brisbane for professional support.

 

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a mood state characterised by apprehension and somatic symptoms of tension, in which a person anticipates impending danger, catastrophe or misfortune. It can affect anyone at any stage of life, and approximately one in every five people will experience significant symptoms of anxiety during their lifetime.

Sometimes a person will experience panic and fear in situations where there is no actual danger, triggering a “fight or flight” response. When this response is activated, three major systems are affected: physical, cognitive and behavioural. This may result in some or all of the symptoms below.

 

Common symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can show up differently for everyone. Some people notice it most in their body, others in their thoughts or behaviour. Recognising these patterns is often the first step toward managing them.

Physical symptoms of anxiety

  • Increased heart rate and faster breathing
  • Increased muscle tension
  • Hot or cold flushes, blushing
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Nausea, butterflies in the stomach, diarrhoea
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Numbness or tingling in hands, arms or legs
  • Sleep disturbance

Behavioural symptoms

  • Restlessness, agitation, irritability
  • Fidgeting
  • Avoidance of people, places or situations
  • Pacing
  • Crying

Cognitive symptoms

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Recurrent or racing thoughts, worry (apprehensive expectation)
  • Confusion
  • Mind going blank

If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, please reach out for support.

 

What causes anxiety?

The reasons for developing anxiety differ from person to person, but the most common contributing factors are biological, environmental and psychological:

  • Genetics: a person may inherit a vulnerability to developing anxiety
  • Childhood adversity, such as bullying, neglect or instability at home
  • Parenting practices, such as overcontrolling or overprotective styles
  • Traumatic life events, including grief, accidents, illness or relationship breakdown
  • Ongoing stressors such as work pressure, financial strain or caring responsibilities

More often than not, anxiety develops through a combination of these factors rather than one single cause.

 

Tips for managing anxiety

Anxiety responds well to evidence-based strategies. Many people find a combination of self-care and professional support most effective. Practical things you can try include:

  • Practise slow, controlled breathing. A long, slow exhale signals to your nervous system that you’re safe and helps settle a racing heart.
  • Move your body regularly. Walking, swimming, yoga or any activity you enjoy can reduce stress hormones and lift mood.
  • Prioitise sleep, reduce caffeine and alcohol. These three have an outsized influence on how anxious you feel day to day.
  • Notice unhelpful thoughts. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques help you identify and gently challenge thoughts that fuel worry.
  • Try mindfulness. Short daily practices anchor you in the present rather than future “what ifs”.
  • Reduce avoidance, gradually. Avoiding the things that make you anxious tends to make anxiety stronger over time. Small, steady steps build confidence.
  • Stay connected. Talking with a trusted friend, family member or GP can ease the load.

These strategies make a real difference, and they’re even more effective when paired with guidance from a qualified mental health professional.

 

When to seek professional support

Anxiety symptoms can cause significant distress across all areas of life, including home, family, relationships, work, school, university and social settings. If anxiety is starting to interfere with how you live, work or relate to others, it’s worth seeking help.

Evidence-based support is available to help you understand and manage anxiety. Drawing on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches, the psychologists practising at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre will work with you to create a pathway to overcome symptoms of anxiety and build long-term coping skills.

If you’re unsure where to start, the GPs practising at the clinic can talk you through a Mental Health Care Plan, which provides Medicare-rebated sessions with a psychologist for eligible patients.

 

Speak with an anxiety psychologist in Brisbane

You don’t have to manage anxiety alone. Christine Burnett, psychologist practising at Carina Medical and Specialist Centre in Cannon Hill, supports adolescents, adults, couples and families through evidence-based therapy tailored to your needs.

Book an appointment online or call the practice on (07) 3398 8188 to take the first step.