Anxiety is something we all can experience at various times in our lives. It can be helpful in some ways. For example, when you are going to attend a job interview for a position you really want, then some anxiety is useful, as it can motivate you to prepare well in advance. However, anxiety becomes a problem when it does not ease or go away, and begins to affect your daily life and your wellbeing.
Some Symptoms of Anxiety
- An overall feeling of worry and fear. This can sometimes be about an event or plan in the future, although it can be just a general feeling.
- Having trouble concentrating.
- Feeling overtired.
- Feeling agitated and irritable.
- Aches and pains.
- Trouble getting to sleep and waking in the night.
- Anxiety can affect your appetite and digestive system.
- Overthinking
There are different types of anxiety including:
General Anxiety Disorder, (GAD for short).
Symptoms are experienced daily and for up to 6 months. Physical symptoms are felt such as a racing heart, panicky feelings and tiredness. You can also feel worried all the time about a lot of things.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Feeling overly anxious if you are involved in any kind of social activity. It can cause you to feel sweaty, panicky and worried.
Panic Disorder
This can cause you to feel a sense of fear, and cause a rapid heart beat. The feelings are intense and can be scary.
What can help ease symptoms?
Mindfulness and meditation can help ease symptoms of anxiety, and relax the body and mind.
Taking care of yourself physically is a good idea if you can. Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and trying to avoid too much coffee or alcohol which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Counselling and therapy can help. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT), for example, can be helpful in that it can teach you to challenge the unhelpful thinking habits and reframe thoughts to less intrusive ones. Then feelings of calmness will hopefully be experienced more of the time.
Person Centred therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to explore your feelings and gain awareness of where the anxiety might come from so that you can develop self-acceptance and coping strategies.
Like anything, these things take practice and this is not always easy when you feel overwhelmed.
If you feel worried, or are experiencing anxiety, please contact a health care professional or reach out for help. You are not alone.
Linda Coates. 12th of May 2025
Useful links
References
Colltrera, F, (2018), Harvard Health Blog, Anxiety, What it is, what to do, June 1st 2018. [Blog], Available at:https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-what-it-is-what-to-do-2018060113955