Anxiety and constant worry

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or unease, often with physical signs like a racing heart or tight chest. It becomes a problem when it is strong, frequent, and gets in the way of daily life.

Constant worry, restlessness, trouble sleeping, a racing heart, tight chest, stomach upset, headaches, irritability and finding it hard to concentrate.

Anxiety disorders are recognised health conditions. Everyday stress passes when the pressure lifts; an anxiety disorder tends to persist and can appear without an obvious cause.

Many people recover fully, and most learn to manage anxiety so it no longer controls their life. CBT has strong evidence and its effects tend to last.

Yes. Anxiety releases adrenaline, which can cause palpitations, shaking, sweating, dizziness, nausea and chest tightness. Get new chest pain checked by a doctor first.

NICE recommends CBT and related therapies as first-line treatments. Some people also benefit from medication prescribed by a doctor.

Anxiety is common in every community. South Asian people often describe it in physical terms and seek help later because of stigma, which is why many cases go unrecognised.

Yes. Therapy O'Clock lists professionals who work with anxiety in Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto and English.

Many people find prayer and dhikr calming and grounding. Faith and therapy can work together; a therapist can help with the worry patterns that prayer alone does not shift.

Avoidance brings short-term relief but tends to make anxiety stronger over time. Therapy helps you face fears gradually and safely.

If worry is affecting your sleep, work, relationships or health for more than a few weeks, or you are avoiding places and people, it is time to talk to someone.