In brief
Everyone feels anxious from time to time. When anxious feelings do not go away and affect daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder, which affects 1 in 4 Australians at some stage.
- Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation, and regular exercise, can help.
- Cutting down on caffeine can help, because it can increase anxiety and alter sleep in some people.
- Beyond Blue's support service is available on 1300 22 4636.
When to get help
Get help now
- If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).
- For help and support any time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Depression.
See your doctor if
- Your anxiety symptoms are affecting your everyday life.
Things that can contribute
- Ongoing stressful situations
- A family history of mental health conditions
- Thyroid problems and other long-term conditions
- Cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol or sedatives
- Too much caffeine
Questions you could ask your GP
- Could a physical cause, such as my thyroid, be contributing?
- What psychological therapies are available to me?
- Would a mental health treatment plan help me access support?
Based on healthdirect Australia, Anxiety. You can also check your symptoms with the healthdirect Symptom Checker, or speak with a registered nurse on 1800 022 222.
How it works
Anxiety is a feeling and a body response. Physical symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, a racing or pounding heart, sweating, a churning stomach, trembling and a dry mouth.
Causes include ongoing stressful situations, a family history of mental health conditions, physical health issues such as thyroid problems, and substance use, particularly cannabis, amphetamines, alcohol and sedatives. Treatments include cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and, for some people, medicines such as antidepressants.
Connections
8 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Anxiety can cause
A racing or pounding heart is a physical symptom of anxiety.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the conditions that can cause brain fog, according to healthdirect.
Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are causes of insomnia.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Insomnia
Anxiety or panic attacks can cause shortness of breath.
Anxiety is linked with
- Chronic stress (allostatic load) Supported
Chronic stress could be a sign of anxiety, and ongoing stressful situations are among the causes of anxiety.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Stress; healthdirect Australia, Anxiety
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Supported
People with IBS have been found to experience mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Source: Australian Academy of Science, Gut bacteria: the inside story
Anxiety can be eased by
- Mindfulness and meditation Supported
healthdirect suggests relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, to help manage anxiety.
Source: healthdirect Australia, Anxiety
Anxiety can be caused by
Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, according to healthdirect.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Caffeine; healthdirect Australia, Anxiety
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect and Beyond Blue. Sources read on 12 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.