Anxiety Support
What is Anxiety?
As per the NHS website, anxiety is defined as “a feeling of fear or unease – and it’s something everyone experiences at times. Feeling anxious is a perfectly natural reaction to some situations.”
Symptoms of anxiety:
- Physical symptoms: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, dizziness, or headaches.
- Emotional symptoms: Excessive worry, fear, or nervousness.
- Cognitive symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, or feeling restless.
- Behavioral symptoms: Avoiding certain situations or places, restlessness, or irritability.
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
Getting a Diagnosis
To get an anxiety diagnosis, you should start by booking an appointment with a GP. During the consultation, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and your medical history. They may use questionnaires or assessments to help determine the severity of your anxiety. If needed, the GP might refer you to a mental health specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, for further evaluation. Diagnosis is based on criteria from guidelines like the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommendations. Once diagnosed, treatment options such as therapy, medication, or self-help resources can be discussed.
