Anxiety appears to have a biological basis that evolved with us to help maintain our survival. Back when we existed in tribal communities for hundreds of thousands of years, it made sense to remain vigilant about our own and our tribe’s wellbeing. After all, if we were attacked by bears or plagued by starvation, it would likely be game-over.

Now, we exist in a world which is a great deal safer, however, our brain is still wired to pick up on things around us that might be interpreted as potential threats. When we find a threat, our nervous system switches into ‘Fight or Flight’ mode, revving up our heart rate, speeding up our breathing, making it hard to relax or focus. When this mode becomes our default, it can wreak havoc on our physical and mental wellbeing.

Anxiety is exhausting. But it can be successfully managed through a range of therapeutic techniques, which include talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness practices. Sometimes, medication can assist in the treatment of anxiety too.

Anxiety can present itself in a number of ways. Here’s a mini-breakdown of some of the types you might have heard of, or encounter.

Generalised Anxiety – Chronic worrying about a range of issues. Usually, anxiety starts to impact energy levels, sleep, mood and clarity of thought.

Social Anxiety – Excessive fear of situations in which one may be judged, worry about embarrassment or humiliation or concern about offending someone.

Phobias – Intense anxiety about specific objects or situations. Often those with phobias go to great lengths to avoid what they fear, sometimes at great personal cost. For example, fear of spiders, public speaking, small spaces, flying, being in a crowded room, etc.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Intrusive unwanted thoughts (obsessions), such as fear of forgetting to turn things off or of being contaminated, which cause anxiety. The person who feels this anxiety can only be relieved by performing certain rituals (compulsions) such as washing hands repeatedly, checking or ordering.

Post-Traumatic Stress – Distressing flashbacks in the wake of a serious traumatic event (as if it were recurring), intense distress at exposure to reminders of it and a desperate avoidance of any reminders. This occurs when a person believes they, or someone they are observing are in immediate risk of harm. According to our mental health survey, almost 11% of music workers have been diagnosed with PTSD in the past.

Panic Disorder – Episodes of overwhelming anxiety that feel uncontrollable, often known as panic attacks. In a panic attack, a person may feel that their heart is pounding, have trouble breathing, feel dizzy or lightheaded and experience a sense of impending doom. Their hearing and vision may also be altered.

Anxiety can be isolating and disruptive. Alongside anxious symptoms, people with anxiety might also feel shame, confusion and embarrassment about what they’re going through. If you are concerned about someone you think might be experiencing anxiety or any other mental health condition – don’t wait. Reach out to them and support them using the following action plan:

CHECK IN: Find a quiet and private space to check-in and ask how they’re doing really. If you believe they’re at risk of suicide, ask them directly. To learn more about how to talk to someone about suicide, check out our free, online Suicide Prevention Training program

LISTEN: Ask open-questions and listen non-judgementally. People with depression often experience shame and guilt about having these thoughts and feelings.

GIVE: Give reassurance and information. Remind the person that you’re there for them and want to do what you can to help.

ENCOURAGE: Encourage the person to get professional support. The best place to start is booking an appointment with a GP or calling our Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500.

GUIDE: Guide the person to learn more about anxiety, self-help and other support strategies (such as the resources below).