Anxiety (and Generalised Anxiety Disorder)

What is anxiety? Anxiety is a normal human response to threat — the body's built-in alarm system. It becomes a difficulty when it is frequent, intense or out of proportion to what is happening, and starts to interfere with daily life. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is when worry about lots of different things feels constant and hard to control. Anxiety is very common and very treatable.

What are the common signs and experiences of anxiety? Anxiety shows up in both mind and body. In the mind: persistent worry, feeling on edge, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and expecting the worst. In the body: a racing heart, tense muscles, restlessness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, dizziness or stomach problems. Many people begin to avoid situations that trigger it, which can slowly shrink life. Panic attacks — sudden waves of intense fear with strong physical symptoms — can also happen.

How do I know if I might have an anxiety problem? A helpful sign is when worry feels excessive, hard to switch off, and present most days over months — and when it affects your sleep, work, relationships or ability to enjoy things. Everyone feels anxious sometimes; it is the persistence and the impact that matter. Recognising this is not a diagnosis, but it is a good reason to speak to your GP, who can help you find relief.

What causes anxiety? Anxiety usually has no single cause. Contributing factors can include past stressful or traumatic experiences, ongoing pressures, personality, family history, physical health, and sometimes caffeine, alcohol or certain substances. For many people it builds gradually over time. Understanding your own triggers is often part of learning to manage it.

Is anxiety the same as stress? They are related but not the same. Stress is usually a response to an external pressure and tends to ease once that pressure lifts. Anxiety can persist even when there is no obvious threat, and it centres on worry and fear about what might happen. Ongoing stress can tip into anxiety. Both are manageable with the right support.

How is anxiety diagnosed? In the UK your GP can assess anxiety through a conversation about what you are experiencing, how long it has lasted and how much it affects you (for GAD, typically worry on most days for six months or more). There is no physical test — being honest about both the mental and physical symptoms helps them guide you to the right support.

What support or treatment options are there? Anxiety responds well to help. Talking therapies, especially CBT, are highly effective and available through NHS Talking Therapies (often by self-referral). Some people are also offered medication such as SSRIs. Self-help makes a real difference alongside — slow breathing, gradually facing avoided situations, exercise, reducing caffeine, and good sleep. A combination is often best.

How can I support myself or someone I love with anxiety? For yourself: notice your triggers, practise slow breathing, keep gently doing the things anxiety tells you to avoid, and be compassionate — anxiety is not a weakness. If you are supporting someone, try not to dismiss their fears ('just relax') — instead listen, stay calm, and encourage small steps and professional help. Reassurance and patience go a long way.

Where can I get help right now? Your GP or NHS Talking Therapies (self-referral) are strong first steps. Mind and Anxiety UK offer trusted information and support. If anxiety feels overwhelming or you are in crisis, please reach out now — see the support box at the top of this sheet.