What are the symptoms associated with Anxiety Disorders?

The following list are some of the symptoms experienced by people with anxiety disorders.  In general, a person with an Anxiety Disorder will exhibit at least two of these symptoms, the severity of which will significantly impair their daily lives.

Racing heart beat, palpitations, breathing difficulties, chest pain, headaches, neck aches, nausea, burning and/or churning stomach, hot and cold flushes, shaking, trembling, dizziness, feeling light headed or faint, pins and needles, diarrhoea, loss of bladder control, loss of appetite, insomnia and sleeping problems, lack of concentration, exhaustion, loss of feeling, loss of libido, excessive perspiration, dissociative symptoms, detached from body, feeling as if your surroundings are not real, sensitivity to light and sound, stationary objects appearing to move, sensations of falling into a void.

What do we do?

We hold fortnightly meetings
We issue a monthly newsletter
We arrange for guest speakers
We run workshops

When are meetings held?

On the second Saturday of each month from 9.30 to 11.30am.

On the last Tuesday of each month from 7.00 to 9.00pm.

See the calendar for dates.

Is there an admission fee to the meetings?

No admission is free.

Members and visitors are ask to donate a gold coin which helps to cover the cost of the tea and biscuits.

Who runs ASHA?

The members.

All committee members are either suffering from an Anxiety Disorder or are carers of someone who has an Anxiety Disorder.

How do I become a member of ASHA?

Phone or write to us for a membership form.

How much does it cost to become a member?

$25 per year

What Happens at a ASHA meeting?

Essentially the meetings provide a forum where people with Anxiety Disorders can discuss and share their experiences.

The meetings are very informal and vary each time.

The meetings are lightly structured, there are no creeds, oaths, prayers or ceremonies.

There are regular guest speakers at the meetings who talk about the latest developments in treatment methods for Anxiety Disorders.  We also invite less traditional health specialists who inform us of alternative therapies.

Where do I get help?

Upon being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder you may wish to be referred to a specialist therapist or you may be satisfied with your GP.  Whatever you choose, make sure that you develop a recovery strategy, this may or may not include medication but, in general, should not be restricted only to medication alone.

Also, come along to a ASHA meeting and talk to people who may help you shorten the journey to recovery.

What are the fears associated with some forms of Anxiety Disorders?

Having a heart attack.
Going to die
Brain tumour
Going insane
Losing control

What causes an Anxiety Disorder?

The medical profession has yet to discover a single cause for Anxiety Disorders.  Theories vary and range from genetic to environmental factors.