General Anxiety

Understanding worry, tension, and overthinking — and learning how to feel calmer again

Anxiety is a normal human response that helps us prepare, stay safe, and perform. However, when anxiety becomes frequent, intense, or difficult to control, it can start to interfere with sleep, concentration, mood, relationships, and daily life.

General anxiety often involves constant worry, physical tension, restlessness, and a sense of being “on edge.” Many people describe it as their mind not switching off, even when they are tired or nothing is obviously wrong.

At SGI Psychology in Preston (Northern Suburbs of Melbourne), our psychologists provide evidence-based therapy to help you understand anxiety, calm your nervous system, and develop confidence in managing worry.

Common signs of general anxiety

Generalised anxiety can show up in many ways. You might notice:

  • constant worry about many areas of life

  • difficulty controlling worrying thoughts

  • overthinking or mentally “replaying” situations

  • trouble relaxing or feeling calm

  • feeling restless or keyed-up

  • racing heart or tight chest

  • muscle tension and headaches

  • problems with sleep

  • irritability or feeling easily overwhelmed

  • difficulty concentrating

  • fatigue or feeling worn out by worry

Some people also experience stomach upset, nausea, or frequent bathroom use when anxious.

Why does anxiety happen?

Anxiety can develop for many reasons, including:

  • prolonged stress or burnout

  • personality traits such as perfectionism

  • family stress or relationship difficulties

  • health concerns

  • work or study pressure

  • traumatic or overwhelming experiences

  • significant life changes

  • genetic and biological factors

Often there is no single cause — anxiety is usually the result of several factors coming together.

When anxiety becomes Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

When worry is:

  • excessive

  • difficult to control

  • present on most days

  • lasting for months

  • accompanied by physical symptoms like tension or poor sleep

this may meet criteria for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

You don’t need a formal diagnosis to seek help — if anxiety is affecting your life, therapy can make a real difference.

How therapy can help with anxiety

Therapy for anxiety is practical, gentle, and collaborative. It focuses on helping you:

  • understand how anxiety affects the brain and body

  • reduce unhelpful worry cycles and rumination

  • calm the nervous system

  • manage physical tension and sleep difficulties

  • develop kinder self-talk and reduce self-criticism

  • face avoidances gradually and safely

  • build confidence and resilience

Most people notice improvement even after a small number of sessions.

Evidence-based approaches we use

Your psychologist may draw from:

  • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness-based therapies

  • Self-compassion approaches

  • Relaxation and grounding strategies

  • Behavioural activation

  • Stress-management skills

Therapy is paced at your comfort level and tailored to your goals.

When to seek urgent help

If you are experiencing:

  • panic or anxiety that feels unbearable

  • thoughts of harming yourself or others

  • feeling unable to stay safe

please seek immediate support from:

  • 000 (emergency services in Australia)

  • your nearest hospital emergency department

  • Lifeline 13 11 14

  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

You are not alone, and help is available.

Our location

SGI Psychology is based in Preston, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, offering:

  • in-person psychology appointments

  • Telehealth appointments across Australia

Book an appointment

If anxiety or worry are affecting your life, you can:

We are here to support you toward a calmer and more confident life.

Book a Session