I feel very anxious: what should I know?

A surge may bring fear, agitation, a racing heart, rapid breathing, trembling, sweating, dizziness, tingling, nausea, or difficulty thinking clearly. Panic Disorder involves recurrent panic episodes and concern about further episodes, while Generalised Anxiety Disorder involves difficult-to-control worry across everyday concerns. Depression, Burnout, Insomnia, thyroid overactivity, caffeine, and some medicines can also intensify anxiety. Physical symptoms need attention when they are new, severe, or different from your usual pattern.

Sit somewhere safe, loosen tight clothing, and breathe gently rather than taking very large breaths. Focus on the contact of your feet with the floor and describe nearby sights or sounds. Ask someone to stay with you if you feel frightened. Once the surge eases, drink water and note possible triggers, sleep, substances, medicines, and symptoms. Arrange a Mental Health Assessment if episodes recur, cause avoidance, or interfere with daily life.

Get urgent help for severe or new chest pain, major breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, sudden weakness, or thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Seek prompt advice when symptoms follow a medicine change, involve a persistent irregular heartbeat, or prevent sleep for several nights. Make a routine appointment for repeated episodes, ongoing worry, or increasing avoidance.

Ask how to distinguish panic symptoms from other problems, whether your physical health or medicines need review, and which treatment plan can reduce future episodes.