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Debunking Common Myths About Anxiety

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in Australia, yet misconceptions about it remain widespread. These myths can contribute to stigma, misunderstanding, and delays in seeking appropriate support. 

In this article, we’ll explore and debunk some of the most common myths about anxiety, providing insights to promote better mental health awareness. 

Myth 1: Anxiety Is Just Feeling Stressed or Worried 

Fact: Anxiety is more than everyday stress or worry. 

While stress and worry are normal reactions to life’s challenges, anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive fear or worry that does not go away and may interfere with daily life. Anxiety can also manifest in physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, dizziness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. 

Unlike normal stress, which subsides once a stressful event passes, anxiety disorders often persist even in the absence of an immediate threat and may require professional support. 

Myth 2: Anxiety Is a Sign of Weakness 

Fact: Anxiety is a mental health condition, not a personal failing. 

Anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to anxiety, while others may develop it following stressful or traumatic experiences. 

Anxiety is not a choice, nor is it a sign of personal weakness—it is a recognised mental health condition that requires appropriate treatment and support. 

Myth 3: You Can Just “Snap Out of It” 

Fact: Anxiety disorders may require treatment and management. 

Telling someone with anxiety to “just relax” or “snap out of it” can be unhelpful. Anxiety disorders cannot simply be switched off—they may require structured management strategies, such as: 

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps reframe anxious thoughts. 
  • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce physiological symptoms. 

Seeking professional support can provide individuals with the necessary tools to manage their anxiety effectively. 

Myth 4: Avoiding Anxiety Triggers Will Solve the Problem 

Fact: Avoidance can make anxiety worse over time. 

Avoiding situations that cause anxiety may provide short-term relief, but in the long term, it can reinforce and intensify anxiety. Gradual exposure therapy, often used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helps people face their fears in a controlled way, reducing anxiety over time. 

Myth 5: Only Adults Experience Anxiety Disorders 

Fact: Anxiety can affect people of all ages, including children. 

Children and teenagers can develop anxiety disorders, though their symptoms may differ from those in adults. Some children may complain of stomach aches, headaches, sleep disturbances, or excessive clinginess. 

Early intervention is key to preventing long-term mental health challenges, and professional support can help children and adolescents develop coping strategies. 

Myth 6: Medication Is the Only Solution for Anxiety 

Fact: There are multiple effective treatment options. 

Medication may be beneficial for some individuals with anxiety (consult with your GP for support), but it is not the only option. Many people manage anxiety effectively with psychological therapies (such as CBT), lifestyle changes, and self-help strategies. 

A mental health professional can help tailor a treatment plan suited to an individual’s needs. 

Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Support 

Anxiety is a real, treatable condition, not just a passing phase or personal flaw. Dispelling myths about anxiety can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek appropriate support and evidence-based treatments. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, consider reaching out to a registered psychologist for guidance. Professional support can provide tools and strategies to better manage anxiety and improve overall well-being. 

Need Support? 

Strategic Psychology offers professional psychological services to help individuals manage anxiety and regain control over their mental health. Contact our team today to book an appointment and explore effective treatment options tailored to your needs. 

References 

  • Australian Psychological Society (APS)( 2025) Anxiety Disorders, retrieved from  https://psychology.org.au/for-the-public/psychology-topics/anxiety 
  • Centre for Clinical Interventions (WA) (2019) Resources for clinicians, retrieved from https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/For-Clinicians/Anxiety  
  • Lifeline Australia.(n.d.) What is Anxiety , retrieved from https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/topics/anxiety/what-is-anxiety  
  • MindSpot (2023). Dealing with Anxiety, retrieved from https://www.mindspot.org.au/info/dealing-with-anxiety/      

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