Most people feel anxious or scared sometimes, but if it’s affecting your life there are things you can try that may help.
Symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and how you behave.
It’s not always easy to recognize when anxiety is the reason you’re feeling or acting differently.
Physical symptoms
- faster, irregular or more noticeable heartbeat
- feeling lightheaded and dizzy
- headaches
- chest pains
- loss of appetite
Mental symptoms
- feeling tense or nervous
- being unable to relax
- worrying about the past or future
- feeling tearful
- not being able to sleep
Changes in behaviour
- not being able to enjoy your leisure time
- difficulty looking after yourself
- problems concentrating at work
- struggling to form or maintain relationships
- worried about trying new things
Symptoms of a panic attack
If you experience sudden, intense anxiety and fear, it might be the symptoms of a panic attack. Other symptoms may include:
- feeling that you’re losing control
- sweating, trembling or shaking
- shortness of breath or breathing very quickly
- feeling sick (nausea)
A panic attack usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes. They can be very frightening, but they’re not dangerous and should not harm you.
Causes of anxiety, fear and panic
There are many different causes of anxiety, fear or panic and it’s different for everyone.
When you’re feeling anxious or scared, your body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
This can be helpful in some situations, but it might also cause physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and increased sweating. In some people, it might cause a panic attack.
Regular anxiety, fear or panic can also be the main symptom of several health conditions. Do not self-diagnose – speak to a Psychiatrist if you’re worried about how you’re feeling.
Identifying the cause
If you know what’s causing anxiety, fear or panic, it might be easier to find ways to manage it.
Some examples of possible causes include:
- work – feeling pressure at work, unemployment or retirement
- family – relationship difficulties, divorce or caring for someone
- financial problems – unexpected bills or borrowing money
- health – illness, injury or losing someone (bereavement)
- difficult past experiences – bullying, abuse or neglect
Even significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.
Conditions related to anxiety, fear and panic
| Symptoms | Possible cause |
| feelings of anxiety that will not go away, anxiety is affecting your life | generalised anxiety disorder |
| overwhelming fear of something specific like an object, place or animal | phobias |
| regularly experiencing panic attacks | panic disorder |
| often reliving traumatic past experiences, nightmares and flashbacks | post-traumatic stress disorder |
