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Anxiety
Day 9: 168 push-ups
Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, affecting 16.8% of Australians aged 16-85 each year. That equates to 3.3 million Australians living with anxiety.

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious when we’re under pressure, but these feelings usually subside once the stressful situation has passed. Anxiety disorders typically involve feelings of tension, distress or nervousness, which don’t go away or may not have a clear cause. A person may avoid situations they believe cause these feelings, potentially limiting their interactions with the wider world and impacting the way they live.

Females are almost twice as likely to experience anxiety, as are younger age groups, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+ - however it can affect anyone.

For those experiencing anxiety, there are many strategies that you can use to help manage it. Mindfulness, slow breathing, keeping physically active, spending time in nature and enjoying a healthy diet are some activities that research shows can help. There are also many treatments for anxiety, including therapy and medication.

If anxiety is an issue for you, talk to your GP to explore treatment options best for you or visit the Lifeline Support Toolkit for Anxiety.