Anxiety
Anxiety is a very normal – if unpleasant – part of life which can affect us all in different ways at different times. Most of us recognise feelings of tension, uncertainty, worry or fear. However, if you experience anxiety at higher levels than usual, or they stay at high levels for long periods of time, this can be very uncomfortable and interfere with everyday life. This can develop into what is known as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
When to seek help immediately
If your Anxiety starts to overwhelm you or you feel you’re struggling to cope, contact your GP or call NHS 111. You can also call the Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone on 116 123. Further information about panic attacks can be found here.
Selfcare and more information
How are you feeling?
Some common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Difficulty controlling worry
- Sleeping problems
- Thinking you might die
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Irritability and agitation
- Feelings of dread
- Avoidance of people or activities
- Heart palpitations
- Aches, tension and pain
- Hyperventilation (over breathing)
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Tight chest
You can take NHS mood self assessment to see if you may be suffering with anxiety
When to see someone about my anxiety
Although feelings of anxiety at certain times in our life is completely normal, you should consider seeing someone if it is starting to affect your daily life or causing you distress.
Click here to access self-help materials, you can use to find out some more information on anxiety and techniques you can use to manage anxiety.
Click here to find information on seeing someone locally to you.
Alternatively, you could visit for GP for further advice.
The specialist you see will ask you about the symptoms you’ve been having; your worries and your fears, to find out if you could have Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
Managing my anxiety
Please visit our Depression & Anxiety section for advice on managing your anxiety. You can follow the links below for more information on contacting and being seen by your local service.
Videos about anxiety
Anxiety | rcpsych
Published 8 July 2015
Waiting for a specialist opinion
If you have been referred for a specialist opinion your details will be reviewed, and it may be recommended that you are seen by a hospital clinician. Information to support you in choosing your preferred hospital, including waiting times can be found below.
How long will I wait?
If a hospital assessment and/or treatment is clinically recommended you will be referred for to a specialist. Click below to find out more about waiting times for routine hospital assessment and/or treatment.