When worry and fear become persistent and overwhelming, going far beyond the normal pressures of daily life.
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WHAT IS IT?

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Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or danger. It is the body's alarm system, designed to protect us. But for many people, this alarm becomes oversensitive, triggering intense fear and worry in situations that pose no real threat. When anxiety is persistent, difficult to control, and begins to interfere with daily life, it becomes a clinical condition that warrants attention and support.

Anxiety disorders take many forms, some people experience a general, ever-present sense of dread; others have specific fears, experience panic attacks, feel intense anxiety in social situations, or are gripped by health-related worries. All of these are recognised, treatable conditions and it is not signs of weakness or overreaction.

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WHAT MIGHT YOU NOTICE?

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Anxiety affects both the mind and the body. Mentally, it is characterised by constant, difficult-to-control worry, a sense of dread or impending doom, and difficulty relaxing or switching off. Physically, you may notice a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, sweating, or trembling.

These symptoms are the body's fight-or-flight response being triggered at the wrong moment. While they are deeply unpleasant, they are not dangerous. Many people present to emergency departments believing they are having a heart attack, when in fact they are experiencing a panic attack.

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Common symptoms include:

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Excessive and difficult-to-control worry
Restlessness or feeling on edge
Racing heart or palpitations
Shortness of breath or chest tightness
Sweating or trembling
Avoidance of feared situations
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Dizziness or nausea
Muscle tension and headaches

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WHICH TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILIBLE?​

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Effective treatment for anxiety is well-established and usually involves a combination of psychological therapy and, where appropriate, medication. The approach we recommend depends on the type and severity of your anxiety, as well as your personal preferences and circumstances.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):  CBT is the gold-standard treatment for most anxiety disorders. It helps you to understand how your thoughts and behaviours maintain anxiety, and to develop more helpful patterns.

Medication:  SSRIs and SNRIs are safe, effective first-line medications for anxiety disorders. Where immediate relief is needed, short-term options may be considered alongside longer-term treatment.

Breathing & Relaxation Techniques:  Practical techniques including controlled breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can significantly reduce symptom intensity and help you regain a sense of control.

Exposure Therapy:  For specific phobias and avoidance behaviours, carefully structured exposure, gradually facing feared situations is one of the most effective treatments available.