When should you see a doctor about feeling anxious?

Anxiety may involve worry, fear, restlessness, muscle tension, racing thoughts, or physical sensations such as a fast heartbeat and unsettled stomach. Stress can trigger short-lived symptoms, while Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Insomnia, Depression, nicotine use, or an overactive thyroid may also contribute. Feeling anxious does not by itself diagnose any of these conditions.

Write down triggers, body sensations, sleep, caffeine or nicotine use, medicines, and how anxiety affects work, study, relationships, and daily tasks. Try slow breathing with a longer exhale, regular meals, gentle movement, and a predictable wind-down routine. Arrange a Mental Health Assessment if symptoms keep returning or you are avoiding activities because of fear.

Get emergency help if anxiety comes with thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, inability to stay safe, severe confusion, collapse, or chest pain and serious breathing difficulty. Seek prompt medical review for a first intense episode, new symptoms after starting a medicine or substance, or anxiety with tremor, heat intolerance, and unexplained weight change.

Ask whether physical causes need checking, what support or talking treatment may help, how to manage panic symptoms, and what to do if anxiety suddenly escalates.