Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life. Many situations, such as interviews, exams, major decisions, or stressful life events, can naturally cause worry or nervousness. Anxiety disorders differ in that the fear, worry, or sense of unease becomes persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to the situation, often interfering with daily functioning and overall wellbeing.
Anxiety can affect how a person thinks, feels, behaves, and relates to others. Over time, it may begin to impact work, school, relationships, sleep, and physical health. Dr Clementine Chawane provides evidence-based assessment and treatment for a range of anxiety-related conditions in adults, adolescents, and children.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several forms of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobias
Although each condition presents differently, they are often characterised by excessive fear, persistent worry, physical symptoms of anxiety, and avoidance of certain situations or experiences.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of anxiety, but commonly include:
Persistent worry or fear
Feeling constantly “on edge”
Panic attacks or sudden feelings of intense fear
Difficulty sleeping or restless sleep
Muscle tension
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Dizziness or feeling faint
Nausea or stomach discomfort
Sweaty, cold, numb, or tingling hands
Difficulty concentrating
Avoidance of specific places, people, or situations
For some individuals, anxiety may feel constant and difficult to control. For others, symptoms may appear more strongly in particular situations, such as social settings or feared environments.
What Contributes to Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders do not develop for one single reason. They are usually influenced by a combination of factors, including:
Genetics and family history
Brain chemistry and nervous system functioning
Stressful or traumatic life experiences
Personality and coping styles
Ongoing environmental or social stressors
Without support, anxiety symptoms may gradually worsen over time and begin to affect many areas of life. Some individuals may withdraw socially, avoid important responsibilities, or feel increasingly overwhelmed by everyday situations.
Assessment and Treatment
Seeking professional support can help provide clarity, understanding, and effective treatment. During a consultation, Dr Chawane will explore your symptoms, experiences, emotional patterns, and overall functioning in order to develop an individualised treatment plan.
Treatment may include:
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Medication management
Psychoeducation
Lifestyle and stress-management strategies
Collaborative multidisciplinary support where appropriate
Medication may help regulate the brain’s stress and anxiety responses, while therapy can support individuals in identifying triggers, understanding emotional patterns, developing healthier coping strategies, and gradually reducing avoidance and fear.
Where beneficial, care may also involve collaboration with psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, schools, or family systems to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach to treatment.
When to Seek Help
If anxiety is becoming persistent, distressing, or interfering with your ability to function, it may be helpful to seek professional support. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and with the appropriate care, many people experience significant improvement in their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and quality of life.
“Take a proactive step towards understanding your mental health and reclaiming your sense of direction”
PODCASTS Mind Vault Podcast SA
A space for open, thoughtful conversations about mental health, identity, and everyday lived experience. Through the podcast, Dr Chawane shares insights, stories, and psychoeducation aimed at reducing stigma and making mental health more accessible.
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