A study by leading mental health charity, BeyondBlue, found one-in-four Australians mistakenly perceive anxiety as ‘stress’ and link it to a personality trait. Only half of 700 Australians surveyed between the ages of – 25 and – 45 knew anxiety was not part of someone’s personality trait.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Georgie Harman, CEO of BeyondBlue emphasises “stress is part of everyday life” and anxiety disorders are immobilising due to their overwhelming and restrictive nature caused by relentless worrying, panic attacks and compulsive behaviour.”

A quarter of the Australian population will experience some form of anxiety throughout their lives and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found three million people are currently living with the condition.

BeyondBlue has relaunched their 2013 May ‘Get To Know Anxiety’ campaign, which will run for four weeks to raise awareness around anxiety, emphasising the condition as a treatable mental health illness and not a stress-related personality trait.

The ABC reports BeyondBlue Chairman, Jeff Kennett is concerned people “think anxiety is part of their make-up” and hopes reviving the ‘Get to Know Anxiety’ campaign, will enable people to recognise the signs and symptoms of anxiety and seek appropriate help.

If you, or someone you know wishes to learn more about anxiety disorders, contact BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au