Anxiety Disorders
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Everyone gets anxious from time to time – it’s a normal response to stressful situations like having a job interview. But for some people, the feelings of anxiety can be a lot more extreme and become what’s known as an anxiety disorder.
- Generalised anxiety disorder is where someone feels anxious about a number of things on most days over a long period of time – 6 months or more.
- Phobias, including social phobia are when someone feels very fearful about a particular object or situation and it interferes with life. Examples are fear of attending social events, driving over bridges, or travelling on planes.
Some other kinds of anxiety disorder are obsessive compulsive disorder,post-traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder.
Anxiety disorders can be managed and overcome with help. It’s important to recognize and treat them as soon as possible. Talk to your GP or health practitioner if anxiety is causing you problems.
Reference: Ministry of Health (MOH) - 2015