What is anxiety? Signs, causes and when to get help

Anxiety is an alarm system

When we face danger, the body releases adrenaline. The heart speeds up, breathing quickens and muscles tense, ready to fight or run. This is helpful when a car swerves towards you. With anxiety, the same alarm goes off over emails, family phone calls, health worries or nothing obvious at all.

Signs in the body

• Racing or pounding heart
• Tight chest or shortness of breath
• Shaking, sweating or hot flushes
• Stomach upset, nausea or needing the toilet
• Headaches, tight jaw or aching shoulders
• Feeling tired yet unable to sleep

Many South Asian people first notice anxiety as a physical problem and visit the doctor about "gas", "BP" or a weak heart. Physical checks are sensible; if they come back clear, anxiety is worth considering.

Signs in thoughts and behaviour

• Worrying about the worst that could happen
• Finding it hard to switch off, especially at night
• Feeling on edge, irritable or easily startled
• Needing reassurance again and again
• Avoiding situations, people or places
• Checking things repeatedly

What causes anxiety?

There is rarely one cause. Common contributors include:

• family history and temperament;
• long-term stress, such as money worries, visa uncertainty or caring for parents;
• big life changes like marriage, moving abroad or a new baby;
• past frightening or traumatic experiences;
• physical health problems, caffeine or some medicines.

Living between two cultures can add pressure: meeting family expectations, fitting in at work, worrying about relatives back home.

Types of anxiety

Anxiety comes in several recognised forms, including generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, social anxiety, phobias and panic disorder.

When to get help

Speak to a professional if anxiety:

• has lasted more than a few weeks;
• is affecting sleep, work, study or relationships;
• is making you avoid things you used to do;
• is leading you to rely on alcohol, smoking or other habits to cope.

Anxiety responds well to treatment. You do not have to wait until it becomes unbearable.

Questions people ask

How do I know if I have anxiety or just stress?

Stress usually has a clear cause and fades when the pressure passes. Anxiety tends to persist, feels out of proportion, and may appear without a clear trigger.

Can anxiety make you feel physically ill?

Yes. Adrenaline can cause a racing heart, nausea, headaches, dizziness and stomach problems. Rule out physical causes with a doctor, especially for chest pain.

What does an anxiety attack feel like?

People describe a sudden rush of fear with a pounding heart, breathlessness, shaking and a sense that something terrible is about to happen. Our panic attack guide explains this in detail.

Can anxiety go away on its own?

Mild anxiety linked to a temporary stress often settles. Anxiety that has lasted months usually needs active help such as CBT to shift.

Is anxiety genetic?

Anxiety can run in families, through a mix of genes and learned habits. Having an anxious parent does not mean you are destined to struggle.

Does caffeine make anxiety worse?

It can. Strong tea, coffee and energy drinks raise heart rate and can trigger anxious feelings. Cutting down often helps.

Why is my anxiety worse at night?

With fewer distractions, worries get louder. Tiredness also lowers your ability to manage them. A wind-down routine and writing worries down can help.

Can children have anxiety?

Yes. Children may show anxiety as stomach aches, clinginess, tantrums or refusing school. See our guide to anxiety in children.

Is anxiety a sign of weak faith?

No. Anxiety is a health condition affected by biology and life events, not a measure of faith. Many deeply religious people experience it.

What is the first step to getting help for anxiety?

Talk to someone: a GP, a trusted person, or a psychologist. Booking an assessment helps you understand what type of anxiety you have and what will help.

Can anxiety cause chest pain?

Anxiety can cause chest tightness, but chest pain should always be checked by a doctor first, especially if it is new, severe or spreads to your arm or jaw.