What should you know about always feeling anxious?

Anxiety may show up as constant worry, muscle tension, irritability, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, stomach upset or a fast heartbeat. Generalised anxiety disorder presents with persistent, hard-to-control worry across several areas of life, but feeling anxious alone cannot establish that diagnosis. Burnout, depression, panic disorder, insomnia and an overactive thyroid can also contribute to distress or physical symptoms.

The most useful clues are when it began, what triggers it, whether it comes in sudden surges, and how it affects work, relationships, sleep and appetite. Alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs and some medicines may intensify symptoms.

Keep a brief record of worries, physical sensations, sleep, caffeine and situations that make symptoms better or worse. Try a regular sleep routine, gentle movement, paced breathing and meals at consistent times. Reduce caffeine and alcohol if they worsen symptoms. Arrange a mental health assessment or primary-care appointment when anxiety persists, interferes with daily life or is difficult to manage alone; treatment may include talking therapy, practical support or medicine.

Seek emergency help if you may harm yourself, cannot stay safe, feel detached from reality, or have severe chest pain, fainting or trouble breathing. Obtain prompt medical advice for new anxiety with a racing or irregular heartbeat, unexplained weight change, severe insomnia or marked functional decline. A clinician can check both mental-health and physical contributors.

Ask what may be contributing to the anxiety, whether thyroid or medicine review is appropriate, and which treatment options fit your symptoms. Explain your sleep, substance use, panic symptoms, mood and any thoughts of self-harm clearly.