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Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.

Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview.

During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.

But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.

Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including:

  • panic disorder
  • phobias, such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

The information in this section is about a specific condition called generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).

GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than 1 specific event. 

People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed.

As soon as 1 anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue.

Coronavirus advice

Get advice about coronavirus and looking after your mental wellbeing:

  • Every Mind Matters: how to look after your mental wellbeing while staying at home
  • Mind: Coronavirus and your wellbeing

Symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms.

These vary from person to person, but can include:

  • feeling restless or worried
  • having trouble concentrating or sleeping
  • dizziness or heart palpitations

When to get help for anxiety

Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, see a GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress.

Your GP will ask about your symptoms and your worries, fears and emotions to find out if you could have GAD.

Find out more about diagnosing GAD

What causes generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)?

The exact cause of GAD is not fully understood, although it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role.

Research has suggested that these may include:

  • overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotions and behaviour
  • an imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline, which are involved in the control and regulation of mood
  • the genes you inherit from your parents – you're estimated to be 5 times more likely to develop GAD if you have a close relative with the condition
  • having a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying
  • having a painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis
  • having a history of drug or alcohol misuse

But many people develop GAD for no apparent reason.

Who's affected

GAD is a common condition, estimated to affect up to 5% of the UK population.

Slightly more women are affected than men, and the condition is more common in people from the ages of 35 to 59.

How generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is treated

GAD can have a significant effect on your daily life, but several different treatments are available that can ease your symptoms.

These include:

  • psychological therapies – you can get psychological therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS; you do not need a referral from a GP and you can refer yourself for psychological therapies service in your area
  • medicine – such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

With treatment, many people are able to control their anxiety levels. But some treatments may need to be continued for a long time and there may be periods when your symptoms worsen.

Self-help for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

There are also many things you can do yourself to help reduce your anxiety, such as: 

  • going on a self-help course
  • exercising regularly
  • stopping smoking
  • cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink
  • trying 1 of the mental health apps and tools in the NHS Apps Library

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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Animals significantly improve mental health 🐣

Do you have a pet that has a positive effect on your anxiety and or depression? This is Daisy 1yr old Rex bun 💛 such a good girl.
Do you have a pet that has a positive effect on your anxiety and or depression? This is Daisy 1yr old Rex bun 💛 such a good girl.
hlacovara
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Should I...

Today I'm a little bit worst with too much anxiety and obsessive thoughts and I just wonder if I should talk to my therapist to get meds or something. I didn't need them while it was just anxiety and obsessive thoughts but since I have depressive episodes when I feel really really low...
Today I'm a little bit worst with too much anxiety and obsessive thoughts and I just wonder if I should talk to my therapist to get meds or something. I didn't need them while it was just anxiety and obsessive thoughts but since I have depressive episodes when I feel really really low...
Lixus
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Any advice

I've been struggling with Anxiety and depression. I have tried various different Shari's. My new Psychiatrist want's to wean me off Sertraline and introduce Paroxetine. Had anyone got any advice on this Paroxetine. My anxiety is through the roof and I think I may be peri menopausal!
I've been struggling with Anxiety and depression. I have tried various different Shari's. My new Psychiatrist want's to wean me off Sertraline and introduce Paroxetine. Had anyone got any advice on this Paroxetine. My anxiety is through the roof and I think I may be peri menopausal!
RockChoir
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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Stuff

Mild anxiety started more recently. I've suffered from bulimia since 2005. I've lost 65lbs in the last 2yrs.
Mild anxiety started more recently. I've suffered from bulimia since 2005. I've lost 65lbs in the last 2yrs.
Kellybug
in Anxiety and Depression Support

What causes the obsessive thoughts?

Are the obsessive thoughts usually associated with anxiety or with depression? I can't stand being alone. I feel awful when theres no one that's with me. During the day I always stay with my family but when I'm alone I keep having the obsessive thoughts - they never stop! Please help.
Are the obsessive thoughts usually associated with anxiety or with depression? I can't stand being alone. I feel awful when theres no one that's with me. During the day I always stay with my family but when I'm alone I keep having the obsessive thoughts - they never stop! Please help.
Randomlonely
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Clammy

Hi im new to this forum , does anyone suffer from clammy hands with anxiety
Hi im new to this forum , does anyone suffer from clammy hands with anxiety
Andy585
in Anxiety Support

Dosulepin

My GP tried to change Dosulepin to Trazadone, but this caused me to experience intense anxiety and panic attacks, so I’m back on Dosulepin. Anyone know of any other medication that will help me sleep? Dosulepin seems to help because it deadens my nerves. - I have no problems with my heart.
My GP tried to change Dosulepin to Trazadone, but this caused me to experience intense anxiety and panic attacks, so I’m back on Dosulepin. Anyone know of any other medication that will help me sleep? Dosulepin seems to help because it deadens my nerves. - I have no problems with my heart.
Oddtrio94
in Anxiety Support

From. Old coach and competitor

myth Surgeons get anxiety that's why they train.
myth Surgeons get anxiety that's why they train.
Brig57
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Trigger Warning: Mood stabilizers

I have too many things wrong with me to count...ocd, anxiety, depression and ptsd. I am currently on Luvox for the ocd and quite honestly, I have had some good days...it is almost an every other day thing...one day good, one day bad. Doctor has suggested possibly adding a mood stabilizer.
I have too many things wrong with me to count...ocd, anxiety, depression and ptsd. I am currently on Luvox for the ocd and quite honestly, I have had some good days...it is almost an every other day thing...one day good, one day bad. Doctor has suggested possibly adding a mood stabilizer.
Hidden
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Happy New Year celebrate yourselves

Applaud yourself for surviving a year like no other complicated by your anxiety and depression. We are stronger than we know. I will be alone. My family is all working but I will treat myself to a spa night at home. A bubble bath, facial, deep condition my hair and paint my nails.
Applaud yourself for surviving a year like no other complicated by your anxiety and depression. We are stronger than we know. I will be alone. My family is all working but I will treat myself to a spa night at home. A bubble bath, facial, deep condition my hair and paint my nails.
Mrspjsmom
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Filled with Anxiety and Depression

I am 68 live alone and now since covid feel more isolated and alone. Although I have friends I feel I have not a best friend that I can share everything with. Why is this upsetting me now ar this stage of my life? Does anyone else have a similar situation. Sometimes my lonliness drives me mad.
I am 68 live alone and now since covid feel more isolated and alone. Although I have friends I feel I have not a best friend that I can share everything with. Why is this upsetting me now ar this stage of my life? Does anyone else have a similar situation. Sometimes my lonliness drives me mad.
Bettikins
in Anxiety and Depression Support

I'm new here and I have the worst anxiety in months

I've been keeping 6-packs of Kozyshack tapioca pudding on hand in case my personal care home serves something that I can't chew or don't like. Last week one of the other residents asked if she could borrow some and she would replace it on Friday. I said yes. Also another unidentified resident steals
I've been keeping 6-packs of Kozyshack tapioca pudding on hand in case my personal care home serves something that I can't chew or don't like. Last week one of the other residents asked if she could borrow some and she would replace it on Friday. I said yes. Also another unidentified resident steals
carolk1955
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Switching to Duloxetine for anxiety & depression

Hi all Does anyone have any experience, I'd mainly like to hear of any good experiences but also not so good, of taking Duloxetine (also known in the US as 'Cymbalta') for anxiety & depression?
Hi all Does anyone have any experience, I'd mainly like to hear of any good experiences but also not so good, of taking Duloxetine (also known in the US as 'Cymbalta') for anxiety & depression?
Catlover12334
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Waiting over 3 years for psychotherapy.

I am now supposedly waiting to start something called SCM pathway for people like me with Borderline Personality Disorder as well as anxiety and depression.
I am now supposedly waiting to start something called SCM pathway for people like me with Borderline Personality Disorder as well as anxiety and depression.
sobs1962
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Connect

Hi anyone Struggling at this time with loneliness depression anxiety your not alone.if your feeling alone because of what’s going on, please Connect together we can make positive change. It’s good to talk
Hi anyone Struggling at this time with loneliness depression anxiety your not alone.if your feeling alone because of what’s going on, please Connect together we can make positive change. It’s good to talk
Vanhooton123
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Anxiety

Taking venlafaxine 3.75 for 3 weeks and for 2 days now felt shaky with a little anxiey ..Should i go up to 75mg..Had to stop Duloxetine 60mg as they made me feel very low and shaky....Any tips please
Taking venlafaxine 3.75 for 3 weeks and for 2 days now felt shaky with a little anxiey ..Should i go up to 75mg..Had to stop Duloxetine 60mg as they made me feel very low and shaky....Any tips please
gizmo22
in Anxiety Support

Teeth grinding

On top of all the stress and anxiety lately I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep. Through lockdown half of one of my back teeth actually came out because of it. I'm still waiting to be seen by a dentist because there is now a waiting list!
On top of all the stress and anxiety lately I've been grinding my teeth in my sleep. Through lockdown half of one of my back teeth actually came out because of it. I'm still waiting to be seen by a dentist because there is now a waiting list!
Lilly24
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Need to stay strong

I started having some anxiety but am trying to remind myself of all the negative things he has brought to my life. I hate feeling lonely and alone and think this is why I’ve stayed in this emotional roller coaster of a relationship.
I started having some anxiety but am trying to remind myself of all the negative things he has brought to my life. I hate feeling lonely and alone and think this is why I’ve stayed in this emotional roller coaster of a relationship.
This2
in Anxiety and Depression Support

CoDependent & lost

I know a big reason is because I struggle with Depression & Anxiety I feel like such a loser & carry so much emotional pain
I know a big reason is because I struggle with Depression & Anxiety I feel like such a loser & carry so much emotional pain
Freedom57
in Anxiety and Depression Support

Anxiety/depression new meds

Hi, I have anxiety and depression and I used to take escitalopram and risperidone. I'm now on early days of Abilify and L-Theanine. Wondering if anyone had any experience with these. Thanks!
Hi, I have anxiety and depression and I used to take escitalopram and risperidone. I'm now on early days of Abilify and L-Theanine. Wondering if anyone had any experience with these. Thanks!
writingwanderer
in Anxiety and Depression Support
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