Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms, treatment and medication

Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming and starts affecting your daily routine, it may be an anxiety disorder. Read our guide to learn about the symptoms, treatments, and anti-anxiety medications available in NZ.

Anxiety disorders are very common in New Zealand, with 1 in 4 people experiencing it at some point during their lifetime. However, they can be treated and managed. At Tend, we’re here to support your journey with expert healthcare advice and personalised care for both your mental and physical wellbeing. We offer in-person and online GP services to support you on your journey.

Also known as Mate māharahara.
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An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes ongoing, uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, worry, dread and fear.
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There are a number of different anxiety disorders. These include:

• Generalised anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (fear of social situations)
• Phobias (of needles, spiders etc)
• Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces)
• Panic disorder (regular panic attacks)

Anxiety can be induced by a substance or medication (as a side-effect). It can also be caused by another health condition. How long an anxiety disorder lasts will depend on the person and the type of anxiety.

There are lots of factors that could play a role in developing anxiety, but the exact cause is still unknown.
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Some of these factors include:

• Personality factors
• Difficult life experiences
• Ongoing stressful events
• Family history
• Physical health

Your health expert can help you identify what may be causing you anxiety. No individual experiences anxiety exactly the same.

Anxiety symptoms can creep up on you gradually. This can make it hard to know how much worrying is too much. Talking to a health expert about your feelings can help you decipher this. Anxiety symptoms can also show themselves physically and mentally.

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Some common anxiety symptoms include:

• Hot and cold flushes
• Shaking
• Racing heart
• Tight feeling in the chest or chest pains
• Struggling to breathe
• Snowballing worries that get bigger and bigger
• A racing mind full of thoughts
• A constant need to check things are right or clean
• Persistent worrying ideas that seem 'silly or crazy' (pōrangi)
• Difficulty getting to sleep

Anxiety can often be managed through psychotherapy, management strategies, self-care, and lifestyle strategies. Anti-anxiety medication is also an effective treatment option if required in more severe cases. Often a combination of these treatments will be most effective to manage anxiety disorders.

Effective techniques to manage anxiety

With some help, people living with anxiety disorders can learn to understand their disorder and develop techniques to manage and control it. Some of these techniques include:

• Recognise normal vs abnormal anxiety: Understand the difference between typical, everyday anxiety and anxiety that may require further
  support or treatment.
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• Accept and reframe anxiety: Learn to accept normal levels of anxiety and develop healthier responses to anxious feelings.
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• Identify and address triggers: Pinpoint the situations or thoughts that trigger anxiety and work on strategies to manage or reduce their impact.
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• Face anxiety-inducing situations: Gradually engage in activities that cause anxiety, rather than avoiding them, to build confidence and
  resilience.
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• Practice mindfulness: Use mindfulness techniques to stay present, reduce worry about the future, and manage overwhelming emotions.

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For mild anxiety symptoms, your health professional might suggest:

• ‍‍Regular physical exercise to improve mood and overall wellbeing.
• Stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, which can exacerbate anxiety.
• Trying online e-therapies—many are free, anonymous, and easily accessible.

Where symptoms of anxiety are moderate to severe, psychological and/or medical treatments are likely to be required.

At Tend, we want to reassure you that you are not alone and that there are effective treatments and ways to manage your anxiety.

Anti-anxiety medication

• Antidepressants may be used to treat more severe cases of anxiety, particularly panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
• The most common type of antidepressants are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (or SSRIs)

Your mental health is important. A healthy approach to self-care can be helpful in preventing anxiety from taking over.
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Diet: Too much caffeine can disrupt sleep, increase your heartbeat, and make you feel generally on edge, which is not ideal for someone dealing with anxiety. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and fast-food while increasing your intake of fruit, vegetables, and less processed food can help to keep the body and mind balanced.

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Exercise: Aerobic exercise boosts serotonin, so it’s a great stress-reliever. Getting your heart rate up for 30 minutes a day is recommended for everyone but can be particularly helpful for those dealing with anxiety.

Smoking and alcohol: Both substances usually heighten the effects of anxiety. Cutting them out completely is recommended. Otherwise, limiting alcohol consumption to 1–2 drinks per week is a good start!

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Sleep: Plenty of good, restful sleep allows the body and mind to cope with anxiety better. Having a regular bedtime, avoiding devices before going to sleep, and exercising during the day are all good ways to promote better sleep.

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Relaxation: Proactively setting aside time to relax can be beneficial for people with anxiety. Meditation and breathing exercises can be helpful, as well as getting out in nature.

If anxiety feels like it’s taking over your life and interfering with your daily activities, it’s important to know you’re not alone. Reaching out to a healthcare professional can be the first step toward regaining control and finding the right strategies to manage your anxiety effectively.

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Depending on your needs, you may want to consult one or more of the following specialists:

• Psychologist – Provides therapy and tools to help you understand and manage anxiety.
• Psychiatrist – Specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, including prescribing anti-anxiety medication if needed.
• Health Improvement Practitioner – Offers support, guidance, and practical strategies for coping with anxiety in everyday life. They work as part of the care team at Tend. If you're an enrolled patient you can have FREE 30 minute appointments with a HIP. Download the Tend app to book your appointment today.

At Tend, we offer expert healthcare services to support your mental health journey. Whether you're looking for professional advice, personalised care, or ongoing support, our experienced doctors and healthcare professionals are here to help you every step of the way. We can also provide online GP referrals to specialists.

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If you think you may have an anxiety disorder, book a consultation for an online or in-person appointment today.