What Is Anxiety and Why It Happens

Experiencing anxiety is characterized by worry, nervousness, apprehension, or unease, and individuals have varying methods of managing it.

Experiencing occasional anxiety is a common occurrence. Nevertheless, excessive anxiety can have adverse effects on an individual. Seeking medical assistance is recommended in such situations.

Common Anxiety Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Anxiety can manifest in both psychological and physical symptoms. Let's explore each of them below.

Psychological Symptoms of Anxiety Explained

During or before an anxiety attack, you may notice:
 
  • Experiencing nervousness, unease, or apprehension
  • Difficulty focusing on tasks
  • Feeling down or irritable
  • A looming sense of panic or threat
  • Fatigue due to sleep disturbances
  • Higher levels of alertness
  • Feeling emotional or distressed

Physical Symptoms of Anxiety and Body Reactions

During or before an anxiety attack, you may notice:

  • Trembling or shaking

  • Chest pain, a tight throat or trouble breathing

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Headaches

  • Loss of appetite

  • Dry mouth

  • Problems with your stomach or digestive system, such as churning

  • Fast or irregular heartbeat

  • Low sex drive

  • Insomnia

  • Sweating

Is Anxiety a Symptom of Another Condition

It is possible that your anxiety could be a symptom of another underlying condition.

Through a conversation with one of our compassionate doctors, you can collaboratively explore whether your anxiety results from a medical condition or another factor. Subsequently, they can suggest the appropriate remedy for your situation.

Types of Anxiety Disorders and Their Differences

Various anxiety disorders, encompassing prevalent ones such as generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, and phobias, exist. Below are descriptions of some of these common disorders:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This involves frequent concerns about everyday aspects of life. If a person experiences multiple anxiety symptoms, they might receive a GAD diagnosis.
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Individuals with BDD are preoccupied with their physical appearance and engage in compulsive behaviours related to their body.
  • Panic Disorder: This is characterized by a fear of experiencing panic attacks, which can be triggered without an apparent cause.
  •  Phobias: Phobias entail an intense fear of specific situations or objects. For instance, agoraphobia involves fearing problems with no escape, while social phobia relates to anxiety in public settings. Other phobias might focus on entities like spiders (arachnophobia).
  •  Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Following a trauma, PTSD can lead to flashbacks or nightmares that recreate the traumatic event, causing heightened anxiety.
  •  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Those with OCD exhibit repetitive thoughts or behaviours that may be distressing.
  •  Health Anxiety: This disorder involves persistent anxiety about being unwell.
  •  Dermatillomania: Also termed a skin-picking disorder, this is characterised by an inability to cease touching, picking, or scratching the skin.
  •  Trichotillomania: Also known as hair-pulling disorder, it refers to pulling out one's hair.

 These descriptions cover a range of anxiety disorders, each with distinct features and manifestations.

Common Anxiety Disorders and Treatment Options

Anxiety Condition Key Symptoms Common Treatments Online Support
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Constant worry restlessness CBT antidepressants Yes
Panic Disorder Sudden panic attacks CBT breathing techniques Yes
Social Anxiety Fear of social situations Therapy exposure exercises Yes
Health Anxiety Fear of illness symptoms CBT mindfulness Yes
OCD or PTSD Repetitive thoughts trauma responses Medication trauma therapy Yes

Anxiety Attacks and Panic Symptoms

Experiencing anxiety attacks, also called panic attacks, can be alarming and occur unexpectedly without any specific cause. Indicators that you may be having a panic attack include:

  • A racing heart

  • Feeling sweaty or getting chills

  • Having the shakes

  • Feeling sick

  • Churning in your stomach

  • A fear you’re dying, or a fear of dread

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Tingling in the hands and fingers

  • Chest pains

  • Dry mouth

  • Feeling faint, weak or dizzy

It may be distressing, but there is no immediate danger during an attack. Typically, the symptoms will ease after 5 to 20 minutes.

In the event of an attack, it is advisable to focus on your breathing techniques, as they can help soothe your nerves.

If you struggle with anxiety attacks, our doctors can assist you in developing personalised coping methods. These techniques can be practised and utilised whenever you feel an attack coming on.

It is typically not necessary to visit the hospital after an attack. Still, it is recommended to consult with a doctor to identify the root cause if it has not yet been determined.

Health Conditions That Can Cause Anxiety

Your anxiety may be a symptom of an underlying health issue that needs treatment. It can even be an early indication of an undiagnosed illness.

Experiencing anxiety alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression, is common. If our doctors suspect this, they suggest the appropriate treatment or refer you to a specialist for more individualised assistance.

Medical conditions that can cause anxiety include:

  • Diabetes

  • Drug/alcohol abuse or withdrawal

  • In sporadic cases, tumours

  • Heart disease

  • Thyroid problems

  • Respiratory disorders like COPD or asthma

  • Chronic pain or IBS

Certain medications can also cause anxiety. Consult a doctor if you suspect this is the case.

Getting Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms

Our medical professionals are available to talk with you about your emotions, which will aid them in identifying the root cause of your anxiousness and designing an appropriate course of action. You are not obligated to proceed at any particular pace, as they will accommodate your preferences and readiness.

There are various types of treatment, including therapy, medication, and a combination of the two.

Talking Therapies for Anxiety Treatment

Discussing your anxiety with a medical professional can be beneficial. By identifying the root cause, you can begin to manage and overcome it.

If you are comfortable, you can attend self-help groups, or our doctors can refer you to a specialist to receive the required assistance. It's entirely up to you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety

If your doctor determines that you could benefit from CBT to cope with your anxiety symptoms, they may recommend you for treatment.

CBT aims to assist you in creating strategies to handle your symptoms as they arise effectively. It guides you in reshaping your thought patterns to regulate your symptoms more effectively.

Counselling is an additional form of verbal therapy that a medical professional might recommend. The approach will be tailored to your circumstances, ensuring that the treatment is personalised to your needs.

Anxiety Medication Options and Medical Guidance

The medical experts at Mobi Doctor can suggest medication to alleviate your anxiety levels. This might involve prescribing antidepressants, beta-blockers, or other suitable options. They will determine your appropriate medication and dosage based on your details.

Depending on the source of your anxiety, the doctor may decide to take a specific course of action. For instance, if a chemical imbalance in the brain causes your anxiety, they may prescribe medication to address this immediately.

If you feel overwhelmed by your anxiety, you must seek professional help. Our medical team can discuss your concerns and build a plan that works for you so you can start feeling better.

Anxious Feelings Treatment Online FAQs

Anxious feelings are emotional and physical responses linked to stress, fear, uncertainty, or ongoing worry. Symptoms may include nervousness, racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, muscle tension, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or feeling constantly on edge.

Online consultations can help assess anxious thoughts, panic symptoms, stress levels, sleep problems, and emotional triggers. Mobi Doctor doctors review your symptoms and medical history to help determine whether therapy support, lifestyle strategies, medication, or further mental health evaluation may be appropriate.

Anxiety can happen even without a clear trigger because the body’s stress response becomes overactive. Ongoing stress, burnout, hormonal changes, poor sleep, caffeine, emotional trauma, or underlying anxiety disorders may contribute to persistent feelings of unease or fear throughout the day.

Anxiety frequently causes physical symptoms such as chest tightness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, shaking, shortness of breath, stomach discomfort, tingling sensations, and heart palpitations. These symptoms can feel intense, particularly during panic episodes, although persistent or severe physical symptoms still require proper medical assessment.

Talking therapies and CBT teach coping skills, help identify negative thought patterns, and reduce physical symptoms over time.

Yes. Many people manage anxiety through therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes, though medication can be added when needed.

If your anxiety interferes with daily life, causes panic attacks, or affects your sleep, book an online consultation for treatment.


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