Anxiety: What Is It? | Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Mackay

Anxiety is a normal and essential part of the human body’s survival system. It’s the response that prepares us to face danger — commonly known as the fight or flight response. However, when this system becomes overactive in response to everyday situations, it can significantly impact wellbeing.

At Perception Psychology Mackay, we offer compassionate, evidence-based support for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety.

What Happens in the Body During Anxiety?

When we encounter a threat, our sympathetic nervous system takes over. You might notice:

• A racing heart 
• Faster, shallow breathing 
• Dilated pupils 
• A sudden drop in appetite or nausea
   

This response gives us the energy and alertness to either fight the threat or flee from it. Once the danger passes, the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body return to a calm state — heart rate slows, breathing steadies, and digestion resumes.

This is a healthy, protective mechanism — but when the brain misinterprets safe situations as dangerous, it triggers a false alarm, causing distress when no real danger is present.

Understanding Anxiety as a Clinical Issue

Anxiety becomes a clinical concern when it:

• Occurs frequently or intensely 
• Is difficult to manage 
• Causes significant distress or interference with daily life
   

Three Components of Anxiety

1. Physical symptoms – the body’s automatic fight or flight reaction 
2. Thoughts – worries, fears, or beliefs that something bad will happen 
3. Behaviours – avoidance of people, places, or activities due to fear
    

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several different types of anxiety, including:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive worry about everyday events 
• Social Anxiety (Social Phobia) – fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations 
• Separation Anxiety – distress related to separation from attachment figures 
• Panic Disorder – sudden episodes of intense fear, often with physical symptoms 
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours 
• Specific Phobias – intense fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., needles, animals, heights)
   

Anxiety Assessment and Diagnosis in Mackay

At Perception Psychology Mackay, our psychologists use clinical interviews, behavioural observations, and standardised screening tools to assess the type and severity of anxiety symptoms. A formal diagnosis is made when symptoms are persistent, cause distress, and interfere with daily functioning.

Evidence-Based Treatment for Anxiety

Our team provides individualised therapy for anxiety, using proven approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Treatment typically involves:

• Understanding the body’s stress response and learning calming strategies 
• Exploring and challenging anxious thoughts and beliefs 
• Gradually facing feared situations in a supported and manageable way
   

Therapy is adapted to suit each individual’s needs and may include family involvement, especially when working with children.

At Perception Psychology Mackay, we help clients understand their anxiety, develop confidence, and learn effective coping skills to improve their wellbeing and quality of life.