Anxiety
Anxiety is a common response to threat or uncertainty. Learn what it can feel like, practical next steps, and when to seek professional or urgent support.
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Independent clinical validation is pending.
Quick Reference Facts
Visual guide
In simple words
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or unease. It can affect thoughts, behaviour and the body, causing symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, shaking, breathlessness, dizziness, stomach upset or difficulty sleeping. Feeling anxious sometimes is a normal part of life; it deserves support when it is persistent, intense or getting in the way of daily life.
Anxiety is real and treatable, not a personal weakness. It can be a short-term response to stress, or part of an anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety or a phobia. Physical symptoms should not automatically be assumed to be anxiety, especially when they are new, severe or concerning.
Common Causes
- Stressful events, uncertainty, grief, trauma, relationship or work pressures
- Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, post-traumatic stress or another mental-health concern
- Poor sleep, pain, long-term illness, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, recreational substances or some medicines
- A physical health issue that needs assessment, such as a thyroid problem, heart rhythm concern or low blood sugar
Clinical Red Flags
Seek urgent medical attention at an emergency department or primary care clinic if you present with any of the following symptoms:
- If you are thinking about harming yourself, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department now.
- Seek urgent assessment for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, a new irregular heartbeat, new one-sided weakness, new confusion, or symptoms that could be a medical emergency.
- Arrange prompt professional support if panic, fear or worry is escalating, stopping you from working, studying, caring for yourself or leaving home, or if alcohol, medicines or other substances are becoming a way of coping.
Lifestyle & Diet Support
Start small and be kind to yourself. Notice what situations, thoughts, body sensations, sleep, caffeine and alcohol seem to affect your anxiety. A regular sleep and meal routine, gentle physical activity, a short breathing or grounding exercise, and talking with someone you trust may help some people. These steps are support, not a replacement for professional care when anxiety is persistent, severe or affecting safety. Avoid changing prescribed medicine or using alcohol or sedatives to self-treat without advice from a clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Differential Diagnosis Matrix
A clinician may ask what you are feeling, when it started, triggers, panic-like episodes, sleep, mood, medicines and substances, physical symptoms, and how anxiety is affecting everyday life. They may also consider whether a physical health condition or medicine could be contributing. Assessment is individual; a diagnosis is not made from a checklist alone.
Reference Citations & Evidence Sources
Clinical Reviews & Textbooks
- CIT-0141Clinical Review pending verification
- CIT-0142Clinical Review pending verification
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