What causes feeling anxious?

Anxiety may appear during work or relationship pressure, grief, uncertainty, or a frightening event. Lack of sleep can make the nervous system more reactive. Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol withdrawal, and some medicines may also cause or intensify symptoms. Ongoing worry can occur with Generalised Anxiety Disorder, while sudden intense episodes may occur with Panic Disorder. Depression, Burnout, ADHD, Insomnia, or an overactive thyroid such as Hyperthyroidism can also overlap with anxious feelings.

Notice when the feeling starts, what was happening beforehand, and symptoms such as racing thoughts, a fast heartbeat, trembling, or breathlessness. Keep regular meals, gentle activity, and a consistent sleep routine. Reduce stimulants if they worsen symptoms. A clinician can review physical causes, medicines, substance use, and emotional health, then discuss talking therapy or other suitable support.

Arrange an appointment when anxiety is persistent, interferes with sleep or daily tasks, leads to avoiding normal activities, or comes with repeated panic episodes. Seek urgent help for thoughts of self-harm, feeling unable to stay safe, severe confusion, or chest symptoms that are new or intense.

Ask whether your symptoms could relate to sleep, thyroid function, medicines, nicotine, another health condition, or an anxiety disorder. Share how long the symptoms last, what triggers them, and how they affect work, relationships, and rest.