What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or unease. It can range from mild to severe and may affect the body, the mind and behaviour. There are many different anxiety conditions, including generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and other anxiety-related disorders.

Common symptoms may include:

• excessive worry or fear

• feeling restless or on edge

• trouble sleeping

• poor concentration

• fatigue

• muscle tension

• dizziness

• sweating

• a racing or more noticeable heartbeat

• avoiding situations that feel overwhelming.
  
  

How anxiety may affect daily function

Anxiety affects each person differently, but it may impact:

• daily routines and self-care

• energy and fatigue

• sleep and recovery

• confidence with movement or exercise

• concentration and task completion

• work, study or parenting demands

• social participation

• general day-to-day function

Some people find that anxiety makes ordinary tasks feel harder to start or finish. Others find it affects their sleep, physical tension, routine, decision-making or willingness to leave the house or take part in everyday activities. Healthdirect notes that anxiety disorders share one key feature: they interfere with day-to-day activities.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is not a primary treatment for anxiety itself, but it may help support people when anxiety is contributing to:

• reduced movement or physical activity

• deconditioning

• muscle tension

• poor confidence with movement

• difficulty returning to exercise

• fatigue-aware re-engagement in activity
  
  

Support may include:

• gentle movement and mobility support

• paced return to activity

• structured exercise for function

• graded physical conditioning

• support building movement confidence
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy may be relevant when anxiety is affecting:

• daily routines

• self-care

• fatigue management

• organisation of everyday tasks

• work, home or parenting roles

• participation in meaningful activities
  
  

OT may include:

• practical routine-building strategies

• pacing and energy management

• breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps

• support for function at home or in the community

• environmental or routine-based problem solving
  
  

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some people who need support with:

• graded return to exercise

• rebuilding strength and endurance

• developing a realistic physical activity plan

• improving confidence with activity

Exercise is not a replacement for mental health care, but for some people it can be a useful part of broader wellbeing support when introduced carefully and consistently. Healthdirect lists lifestyle changes among the treatment options for anxiety disorders, while Black Dog Institute identifies CBT as a leading treatment and encourages professional help.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to anxiety itself unless there is a separate communication, swallowing or cognitive-communication issue that also needs support.

Important scope note

Anxiety is a mental health condition and may need support from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or other mental health professional. Allied health at Palms does not replace mental health treatment. Our role is to support the person where anxiety is affecting function, routine, movement, fatigue, participation or day-to-day activity, and to work within a broader care team where appropriate.

Healthdirect recommends seeing a doctor if anxiety is affecting daily life, and Black Dog Institute says a good first step is often to see a GP. Effective treatments may include psychological therapy, lifestyle changes and medicines.

If someone is in crisis, at immediate risk, or having suicidal thoughts, urgent help is needed. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how anxiety is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help. Therapy may focus on:

rebuilding confidence with activity

supporting routine and consistency

improving fatigue management

helping daily tasks feel more manageable

increasing participation in meaningful activities

supporting gradual return to movement and function

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP and mental health team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or unease. It can be mild or severe and may affect how a person feels physically, mentally and behaviourally.

What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?

Feeling anxious sometimes is normal. Healthdirect explains that anxiety may become an anxiety disorder when symptoms are ongoing and start affecting daily tasks or everyday functioning.

What are common symptoms of anxiety?

Common symptoms may include worry, restlessness, poor sleep, tiredness, muscle tension, poor concentration, dizziness, sweating, chest discomfort or a racing heartbeat.

Can anxiety affect physical function?

Yes. Anxiety can affect energy, activity levels, sleep, routine, concentration and confidence, which can reduce day-to-day physical function over time.

Can physiotherapy help with anxiety?

Physiotherapy does not treat anxiety itself, but it may help support people where anxiety is contributing to reduced movement, deconditioning, fatigue or difficulty returning to activity.

Can occupational therapy help with anxiety?

Yes, in some cases. Occupational therapy may help when anxiety is affecting daily routines, self-care, fatigue management, function at home or work, or participation in everyday activities.

Can exercise help when someone has anxiety?

For some people, graded and realistic physical activity can be a helpful part of broader support, but it is not a replacement for mental health treatment. Healthdirect includes lifestyle changes among treatment options, while Black Dog Institute highlights evidence-based mental health treatment such as CBT.

Should someone with anxiety also see a doctor or psychologist?

Often, yes. Anxiety may need support from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Allied health can support function, but does not replace mental health treatment.

When should someone seek urgent help?

Urgent help is needed if someone is in crisis, at immediate risk, or having suicidal thoughts. In Australia, call 000 in an emergency.

Our role is to support functional goals, participation, regulation strategies and daily living needs as part of a broader care team. Diagnosis and mental health treatment should be guided by an appropriate medical or mental health professional. 

If anxiety is affecting your energy, routine, confidence with movement or day-to-day function, our team can discuss whether allied health support may be appropriate as part of your broader care.

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Beyond Blue – Provides support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline Australia – Offers crisis support and suicide prevention services.

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Black Dog Institute – Provides information and resources on mood disorders, including anxiety.

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

Headspace – National youth mental health foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds.

https://headspace.org.au

Mental Health Australia – The national peak body representing and advocating for the mental health sector.

https://mhaustralia.org

SANE Australia – Provides information, support, and resources for people affected by mental illness.

https://www.sane.org

Australian Psychological Society – Offers resources and a directory for finding psychologists.

https://www.psychology.org.au

This Way Up – Provides online courses for managing anxiety and depression.

https://thiswayup.org.au

Mental Health First Aid Australia – Offers training programs in mental health first aid.

https://mhfa.com.au

Your Mental Health – A guide to understanding and managing mental health conditions.

https://www.yourmentalhealth.org.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.