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Anxiety

Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026

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Feeling anxious now and then is normal. When worry is hard to control and gets in the way of daily life, support and treatment can help.

Everyday worry and anxiety disorders

Most people feel anxious sometimes, for example before a test or a hard conversation. That does not mean you have an anxiety disorder. With an anxiety disorder, the worry stays. It comes up in many parts of your life and may get stronger over time. Types include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and phobias. GAD is a common condition, and it affects more women than men. It is more likely if close relatives have anxiety or depression, after stressful or traumatic events, or if you live with a painful long-term condition.

How anxiety can feel

The main sign of GAD is stress or worry that is hard to control and affects your daily life. You may feel restless, tense or irritable, find it hard to concentrate, or get tired easily. Anxiety affects the body too. It can cause trouble sleeping, stomach problems, a pounding or unusual heartbeat (palpitations), and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. Low mood or depression can come with it. A panic attack is a sudden rush of strong fear, often for no clear reason. Your heart may race, and you may sweat, shake, feel sick, dizzy or short of breath, or have chest pain. Most attacks last 5 to 20 minutes. They are frightening, but they do not harm your body.

Anxiety and your cycle

Hormone changes can affect anxiety for some people. Feeling anxious, upset or emotional is a common part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in the weeks before a period. Severe anxiety, irritability or low mood before periods can be a sign of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Anxiety can also come with depression during pregnancy, after birth or around menopause. Noting your mood in Ciclo can show whether your anxiety follows your cycle.

What can help

Talking to someone you trust about how you feel can help. So can learning calming breathing exercises, being active regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep. Try to cut down on coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks. Try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or illegal drugs to manage anxiety. If anxiety is affecting your life, a doctor can offer treatment. The main options are talking therapy, usually cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and medicine, most often a type of antidepressant called an SSRI.

When to get help

See a doctor or nurse if you think you might have an anxiety disorder, or if worry is hard to control and is affecting your daily life. Chest pain or trouble breathing can also have other causes. If you are not sure it is a panic attack, get emergency help. If you are thinking about harming yourself or ending your life, get emergency help or contact a crisis line now.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. If worry is affecting your daily life, talk to a doctor or nurse.