Feeling anxious and fearful is part of being human. These feelings help you be alert for and escape from threats, and help you make better decisions. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may feel anxious or fearful in situations where there are no threats.

Anxiety can cause you to experience a range of symptoms like shaking and trembling, sweating, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. You may also get pains in your stomach and tension in your neck and shoulders. It can cause sleep problems and make you irritable as well. If your anxiety builds, you may have a very real sense that something bad is going to happen to you. You may even feel like you are losing control and experience physical symptoms similar to a heart attack.

Anxiety and fear can be very intense feelings, and you may tend to avoid situations where you believe they may occur – like social gatherings or particular places. This can lead you to limit your interactions with the wider world, and can greatly impact the way you live your life.

Learning relaxation techniques like controlled breathing can help you reduce the symptoms of anxiety when they first occur. Finding out more about anxiety and things you can do to control it is a positive step towards recovery. 

Living with a mental health condition can be challenging, but you are never alone. It’s important to take the first steps in getting support.

Learn more about finding help.

Helping someone with an anxiety disorder 

A person with anxiety might tend to avoid particular places or situations and may withdraw socially for fear of an attack. This might make you feel frustrated and put additional strain on your relationship. Try not to take it personally when they refuse to do things they are afraid of, and consider relationship counselling to help develop mutual understandings.

Support them in getting out and about, and facilitate social interactions. It can also be useful to learn how to help someone through a panic attack. By showing patience, encouragement, and support, you can play a vital role in treatment.

Looking after yourself

While caring for someone is rewarding, it can be physically and emotionally challenging. Don’t forget to take some time to look after your own mental health and wellbeing. 

Find out more about looking after yourself while caring for someone else.