It is estimated that around three per cent of the Australian population experience social phobia in any one year. Up to 13 per cent of the population may develop social phobia during their lifetime. Men and women are equally affected, though a higher number of men seek treatment.

Most people feel anxious and worried from time to time, especially when faced with stressful situations like taking an exam, speaking in public, playing competitive sport or going for a job interview. This sort of anxiety can make you feel alert and focused, helping you get things done faster or perform at your best.

People with GAD, however, feel anxious and worried most of the time, not just in specific stressful situations, and these worries are intense, persistent and interfere with their normal lives.

Anxiety is defined as the excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational anticipation of future threats. Anxiety differs from fear, which is the emotional response to a real or perceived threat. Although these two states overlap, there is a difference

Anger is a normal emotion just like getting sad or happy. However, anger can begin to impact our lives negatively when it gets out of control and turns into violence, aggression, bullying and constant arguments. 

Research shows that anger can increase people's chance of developing coronary heart disease. It can also lead to stress-related problems, such as insomnia, digestive problems, and headaches.

Positive people don't necessarily have a very different life on the outside to those who are not positive. Usually, they have quite similar lives than most people, the only difference is-what's going on in their brains and how they perceive the world.

Adversity is inevitable, problems, large and small, present themselves to us throughout our whole existence. Regardless of how sharp, clever, or happy we are, we will encounter struggle, challenges, difficulties and at times, heart wrenching moments.

It is how you overcome these adversities that can make all the difference.

Relationships can be a wonderful experience where two people open their hearts out to each other and commit to share their lives together. The right relationship can make you feel joyful, full of love and can assist you to grow into the best version of yourself.

On the other hand, relationships can sometimes be unhealthy, whereby you find there are a lot of arguments, name calling, possessiveness or betrayal. 

Self-esteem is the degree to which we feel confident, consider ourselves valuable, and respect ourselves, and this greatly affects our well-being. Self-esteem exists on a continuum, from high to low, and low self-esteem is associated with self-doubt, self-criticism, social isolation, suppressed anger, and shame. Low self-esteem is also a symptom of several mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Life is is challenging, technology is increasing and has enabled us to lead chaotic lifestyles where we are just one click or swipe away from a new distraction.  Stress is definitely on the rise and so is depression and anxiety. As a result, there is a desperate need for people to find ways to escape in order maintain mental and emotional stability

Adolescence can be an emotional time for most kids. High-schoolers in particular, are under a lot of pressure in regards to exams. Their social world, with social media being so highly used, can also cause pressure. They may be more likely to develop anxiety.

Teenager's (brains) are a work in progress. I see it all too often when adults seem to forget this or are not aware of how their teenager is developing and take many things too personally. 

In order for you to engage with your teen more effectively, you have to be able to understand them. Teens will only engage with you if they feel like they have been validated, understood or acknowledged.