Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms and triggers:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health or finances, often without a specific cause. Symptoms include, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disturbance.

Panic Disorder – Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath and a feeling of impeding doom. 

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) – Intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed or scrutinised by others. Symptoms include, excessive self-consciousness, fear of public speaking and avoidance of social interactions.  

Specific Phobias – Irrational and intense fear of specific objects or situations, such as heights, animals or flying. Exposure to the feared object or situation can provoke immediate anxiety or panic. 

Agoraphobia – Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of places like crowded areas, public transportation or open spaces. This can severely restrict one’s ability to leave home or participate in normal activities.   

Separation Anxiety Disorder – Excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures such as parents or guardians. Common in children, but can also affect adults. 

You can have more than one anxiety disorder.