Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a commonly experienced emotion that can range from mild to severe. Feeling on edge, being constantly worried, being fearful or panicked are some of the symptoms of anxiety. Whilst anxiety is a normal feeling to experience in the face of something fearful, sometimes feeling of anxiety can become constant and intense.

About anxiety

Everyone gets anxious from time to time – when taking an exam for example, or giving a talk in public. This short-term type of anxiety is useful because it makes a person feel more alert and improves their performance. But, if anxiety stays at a high level for a long time, it can make it difficult to get on with life productively and comfortably and can lead to a person becoming unwell with an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is the most common emotion a person experiences and the most common form of mental health condition in childhood and in adult years. However, many people don’t admit to experiencing uncomfortable levels of anxiety.

Anxiety conditions respond very well to self-management and anxiety disorders respond very well to psychological treatment. So ask someone you trust to help you get some help.

How to help

How do I know if I have anxiety?

  • Heart racing
  • Breathing changes
  • Feeling sick
  • Shaky legs and body

  • Racing thoughts, usually scary
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Constantly predicting the worst
  • Overthinking

  • Avoidance of doing things that create anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Getting into arguments and fights more often
  • Checking behaviours

  • Feeling frightened or panicky
  • ‘Short fuse’ – getting irritable and angry easily
  • Tearful
  • Other people’s emotions affecting you more easily

Download the Clear Fear app for Anxiety

Clear Fear uses the evidence-based treatment CBT to focus on learning to reduce the physical responses to threat by learning to breathe, relax and be mindful as well as changing thoughts and behaviours and releasing emotions. Download it for free from the App Store or Google Play. Find out more at https://clearfear.stem4.org.uk.

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