Anxiety: Why the Stigma around This Mental Health Disorder Needs to Change

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in Australia. Approximately one in seven people report experiencing an anxiety disorder in the last 12 months. However, only one in three people sought treatment.

Sydney , Australia - January 21, 2018 /PressCable/ —

Paul Jozsef Counselling and Psychotherapy (www.pauljozsef.com.au) specialises in the treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders.

Anxiety or worry is a normal response to a present or imagined threat. In fact, a mild level of anxiety may be helpful as it enables a quick response when faced with a dangerous situation. However, when worries disrupt or interfere with daily life or if the symptoms persist long after the danger has passed, it would be advantageous to seek treatment.

Despite the high incidence of anxiety disorders in Australia, many people find it difficult, or shameful, to acknowledge that they have an issue with their mental health.

The stigma of an anxiety disorder often prevents people from seeking treatment or reaching out for help. Instead, many live in isolation or with the fear of scrutiny and disapproval of those around them.

“Despite the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders, overcoming them is not only possible but critical to recovering from them,” said Paul Jozsef, principal therapist at Paul Jozsef Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Paul Jozsef suggests three ways the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders can begin to change:

1) Knowledge – correct information is required to ensure that anxiety disorders are properly understood.

2) Attitude – incorrect knowledge of anxiety disorders can create attitudes that are misinformed and unhelpful.

3) Behaviour – misinformed attitudes can result in inappropriate and often discriminatory behaviour.

Mental health advocacy initiatives such as R U OK? Day and Mental Health Week are an excellent way to increase societal awareness and reduce the stigma, around anxiety disorders.

“Anxiety disorder stigma will end once it is openly addressed and discussed in the same way that asthma or cancer is,” said Paul Jozsef.

To learn more about Paul Jozsef Counselling and Psychotherapy visit: http://www.pauljozsef.com.au/

About Paul Jozsef Counselling & Psychotherapy

Paul Jozsef Counselling and Psychotherapy is a psychology service for adults, adolescents & couples seeking therapy in Surry Hills, Sydney. Services include in-person psychotherapy, as well as, online counselling via Google Hangouts.

Contact Info:
Name: Paul Jozsef
Organization: Paul Jozsef - Counselling Psychotherapy
Address: Suit 5, 35 Buckingham Street, , Sydney , NSW 2010, Australia
Phone: +61-2-8090-7184

For more information, please visit http://www.pauljozsef.com.au

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 290138