What is anxiety?
Anxiety is feeling worried or uneasy, and it can vary from mild to severe. In some cases, this is a normal response to a situation, but it can become a problem if it happens constantly and affects your daily life.
If you have anxiety, you may find yourself moving from one anxious thought to another without any let up and being unable to relax.
There are different types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalised anxiety disorder — You may spend a lot of time worrying about lots of everyday things that wouldn’t usually bother others. Your worries may seem out of control and you feel tense and nervous a lot of the time.
- Social anxiety disorder — You could experience intense anxiety in social situations because you’re terrified you’ll embarrass yourself or that others will judge you. This could lead to you avoiding social situations.
- Panic disorder — You may have repeated panic attacks and worry about having another one.
- Specific phobias — You may have an intense fear of a particular situation or object.
What are the symptoms?
| Pscyhological symptoms | Physical symptoms |
|---|---|
| • Restlessness • A sense of dread • Feeling constantly “on edge” • Difficulty concentrating • Irritability • Your symptoms may cause you to stay away from friends and family because that makes you feel anxious • You may also find working difficult or stressful, leading to you taking time off sick. In turn, this can make you worry more and lower your self-esteem | • Dizziness • Tiredness • A noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) • Muscle aches and tension • Trembling or shaking • Dry mouth • Excessive sweating • Shortness of breath • Stomach ache • Feeling sick • Headache • Pins and needs • Difficult falling or staying asleep |
Source: NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/symptoms/ - Open Government Licence v3.0
How can you manage the symptoms?
Talk to your doctor
If you think you may have anxiety, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. They will also ask you about your worries and your emotions, and what is happening in your personal life.
Take steps to get treatment
Your GP will be able to help you get treatment for your symptoms. This may include some tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
A doctor may refer you for psychological therapy or guided self-help. They could also prescribe medication to help you manage your condition.
You can refer yourself directly to the NHS psychological therapies service Footnote [1] without going through your doctor.
The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you can begin your journey to recovery.
