Understanding Anxiety

Many people experience anxiety at different points in their lives.

For some, feelings of worry or unease pass relatively quickly. For others, they become more persistent and begin to affect daily life.

This page explains some of the experiences commonly associated with anxiety and outlines some of the support options available.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is often used to describe a combination of emotional, physical, and psychological experiences that can leave a person feeling worried, tense, uneasy, or overwhelmed.

Everyone's experience is different. Some people notice anxiety in specific situations, while others experience a more general sense of worry that feels difficult to switch off.

Common Signs

Persistent worrying or overthinking
Feeling restless or on edge
Finding it difficult to relax
Racing thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling overwhelmed by everyday situations
Avoiding certain situations or activities
Trouble sleeping or switching off
Feeling irritable or frustrated
Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle tension, sweating, or feeling unsettled
Frequently expecting the worst to happen
Seeking reassurance from others

Experiencing some of these signs does not necessarily mean you are experiencing anxiety difficulties. However, if they are persistent, distressing, or beginning to affect daily life, it may be helpful to explore additional support.

Take a Moment to Reflect

Finding it difficult to stop worrying
Overthinking conversations or situations
Feeling restless or unable to relax
Frequently expecting something to go wrong
Feeling tense, on edge, or unsettled
Difficulty concentrating because of worry
Avoiding situations that make you feel anxious
Trouble sleeping because your mind feels busy
Seeking reassurance from others
Feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks or responsibilities

Support Options

If several of the experiences on this page feel familiar, you may wish to explore additional support.

For some people, this starts with a conversation with their GP. Others may choose to access NHS services, community support, workplace support programmes, or speak with trusted friends or family members.

Some people also choose to work with a therapist to better understand what they are experiencing and explore ways of moving forward.

The right approach will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences.

Can Therapy Help?

Many people choose to speak with a therapist when anxiety begins to affect their daily life, relationships, work, confidence, or sense of wellbeing.

Therapy can provide a confidential space to explore what you are experiencing, understand patterns that may be affecting your wellbeing, and consider ways of moving forward.

Different therapists work in different ways. Finding a therapist who feels right for you can be an important part of the process.

Find a Therapist

If you would like to explore therapy, Mindtend allows you to browse verified therapists and choose someone who feels right for you.

All therapists on the platform are independently qualified and personally verified before joining.

You can view therapist profiles, learn more about their experience and approach, and choose a therapist based on your own preferences.

Browse Therapists

Additional Support

  • Your GP
  • NHS Talking Therapies
  • NHS 111
  • Samaritans – 116 123 (24 hours a day)
  • Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hours a day)
  • SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (4:00pm–10:00pm daily)
  • Emergency Services (999) if there is an immediate risk to life or safety