Anxiety Support in Geelong

Our registered psychologists and qualified counsellors are here to help you manage anxiety, regain control, and improve your wellbeing. 

Anxiety is a normal human emotion, often experienced in response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived threat. It becomes a concern when it’s persistent, intense, or begins to interfere with daily life. Many people live with anxiety without realising it can be effectively managed and treated.

At Head Start Counselling & Psychology, we help individuals understand their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety involves excessive worry, nervousness, or apprehension about future events. It differs from fear, which responds to an immediate threat. People may experience physical symptoms like increased heart rate, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal issues — or psychological symptoms such as racing thoughts, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Although anxiety is a natural part of life, when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it may indicate an anxiety disorder such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, or Social Anxiety Disorder.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety or mental health conditions can increase vulnerability.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can play a role.
• Life Experiences: Trauma, neglect, loss, or other stressful events — particularly in childhood — may contribute to anxiety.
• Personality Traits: People who are highly sensitive, perfectionistic, or prone to worry may be more susceptible.
• Environmental Stress: Chronic stress at work, in relationships, or within the community can heighten anxiety levels.
• Medical Conditions: Some physical health issues (e.g., thyroid problems) or medications may trigger or worsen anxiety.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can affect the mind and body in a range of ways, including:

• Psychological Symptoms: Excessive worry, racing thoughts, feelings of dread, panic attacks, restlessness.
• Emotional Effects: Irritability, overwhelm, low frustration tolerance, emotional shutdown.
• Cognitive Distortions: Catastrophising, black-and-white thinking, or constantly expecting the worst.
• Physical Symptoms: Muscle tension, chest tightness, nausea, fatigue, headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat.
• Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, or unrestful sleep.

Types of Anxiety We Work With

We support people experiencing a wide range of anxiety presentations, including:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
• Social Anxiety
• Performance or test anxiety
• Health anxiety
• Phobias
• Adjustment-related anxiety
• Anxiety linked to neurodivergence or trauma

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing anxiety:

• Genetic predisposition or family history
• Childhood trauma or insecure attachment
• Chronic stress or burnout
• Rigid coping styles and negative thinking patterns
• Caffeine or stimulant overuse
• Medical or psychiatric comorbidities
• Socioeconomic pressures, isolation, or discrimination

When to Seek Help

You don’t need to wait for a crisis. Consider seeking professional support if:

• Anxiety is interfering with your work, relationships, or daily life
• You’re avoiding situations out of fear or worry
• Your sleep is disrupted due to anxious thoughts
• You experience panic attacks or persistent physical symptoms
• You feel overwhelmed or stuck in cycles of overthinking
• You want to better understand and manage your stress or emotional triggers

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts or feel unsafe, seek immediate help by calling 000 or contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Take The Next Step

You’re not alone — and things can improve. At Head Start Counselling & Psychology, we provide compassionate support and evidence-based tools to help you navigate anxiety and regain a sense of calm and control.