Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of life, but when worry becomes constant or overwhelming it can affect your sleep, work and relationships. This guide explains common anxiety symptoms, the main types of anxiety and the support available in the UK. It is written by the team at Guardian Pharmacy as general health information.
Key takeaways
- Anxiety affects both mind and body, and its symptoms vary from person to person.
- There are several types of anxiety, from generalised anxiety to panic and social anxiety.
- Anxiety is common and treatable, and effective help is available through the NHS.
- Your GP or pharmacist is a good first point of contact if you are struggling.
What are the main anxiety symptoms?
Anxiety symptoms are not only about feeling worried. They can show up in your thoughts, your body and your behaviour, and they can come and go.
Common mental symptoms include:
- Persistent worry that is hard to switch off
- Feeling on edge, restless or easily startled
- Difficulty concentrating or a mind that goes blank
- Irritability or a sense of dread
Physical symptoms can be just as noticeable. Many people experience a racing heart, tight chest, shaky hands, sweating, dizziness, an upset stomach, muscle tension or headaches. Because these sensations can feel alarming, they sometimes add to the anxiety itself.
Anxiety can also change what you do. You might avoid certain places or situations, put off tasks, seek constant reassurance or struggle to sleep. If these patterns are taking over your day, it is a sign that support could help.
Different types of anxiety
Anxiety is an umbrella term. Understanding the type you may be experiencing can make it easier to describe to a health professional. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a condition, but these are the types most often discussed:
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): long-lasting, wide-ranging worry about many everyday things.
- Panic disorder: sudden, intense episodes of fear with strong physical symptoms.
- Social anxiety: intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
- Phobias: strong fear of a specific object, place or situation.
- Health anxiety: persistent worry about having or developing a serious illness.
Related conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), also involve anxiety but are considered separately.
What can contribute to anxiety?
There is rarely one single cause. Anxiety can be linked to stressful life events, long-term health conditions, family history, difficult childhood experiences, money or work pressures, or ongoing poor sleep. Sometimes it appears with no obvious trigger at all, which is nothing to feel ashamed of.
Lifestyle factors can influence how you feel. Too much caffeine, alcohol and irregular sleep can all make anxious feelings stronger. If you are not sleeping well, our guide to sleep hygiene tips may help.
Everyday ways to ease anxiety
Small habits will not replace professional care when it is needed, but many people find they help alongside it. Regular physical activity, time outdoors, a steady sleep routine, regular meals and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can all make a difference.
Slowing your breathing and bringing your attention to the present moment can calm the body in the moment. You can learn simple methods in our guide to breathing techniques for anxiety. Talking to someone you trust, and writing worries down, can also stop them going round in your head.
Support and treatment in the UK
Anxiety is treatable. Your GP can talk through your options, which may include guided self-help, talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and in some cases medicines prescribed and reviewed by a doctor. In England, you can often refer yourself for therapy without seeing a GP first. Read our guide to NHS talking therapies and how to self-refer.
Reliable information is available from the NHS and Mind. If you are in distress and need to talk, Samaritans are available free on 116 123, day or night. Your local pharmacist can also listen and point you towards the right service.
When to speak to a professional
Speak to your GP if anxiety is lasting for weeks, affecting your daily life, sleep or work, or if you are using alcohol or other substances to cope. Your pharmacist can also offer advice, and NHS 111 can help if you need urgent guidance. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes persistent, overwhelming or hard to control it may be an anxiety disorder, which is a recognised and treatable health condition. A GP can help you understand what you are experiencing.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety?
Stress is usually a response to a specific pressure and often eases when the pressure passes. Anxiety tends to continue even without an obvious trigger. The two often overlap, and both can be helped by support.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. A racing heart, dizziness, sweating, tight chest and stomach upset are all common. Because these can also have other causes, speak to your GP if you are unsure or if symptoms are new or severe.
Will anxiety go away on its own?
Mild anxiety linked to a stressful period may ease with time and self-care. If it lingers or interferes with daily life, getting support early usually helps. Many people recover well with the right help.
Related reading
- Breathing and grounding techniques to calm anxiety
- NHS talking therapies: how to self-refer for anxiety and low mood
- How to support a friend or family member with anxiety
- Or browse all our health guides
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. If you are worried about your health, speak to your GP or pharmacist, or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
Contact Guardian Pharmacy
Address: 448 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London, E8 4AE, United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
Website: guardianpharma.co.uk
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