Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress or perceived danger.   It can even be helpful at times, motivating us to prepare for challenges or stay safe.   However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, persistent, or out of proportion to the situation, it can interfere with daily life.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, but with the right support, they are highly treatable.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can affect both the mind and body. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is hard to control

  • Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling on edge, restless, or irritable

  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

  • Increased heart rate or palpitations

  • Shortness of breath or shallow breathing

  • Muscle tension, trembling, or sweating

  • Nausea, dizziness, or stomach discomfort

  • Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. For some, it may show up as constant worry; for others, it may be sudden panic attacks or physical symptoms that feel overwhelming.

Why Does Anxiety Happen?

Anxiety can be caused or triggered by many factors, including:

  • Biological – family history, brain chemistry, or medical conditions

  • Psychological – thinking patterns, past trauma, or perfectionism

  • Environmental – stressful events, work or study pressures, financial stress, or social challenges

Sometimes anxiety develops gradually, while other times it appears after a specific life event.

How a Psychologist Can Help

A psychologist can help you understand your anxiety and learn strategies to manage it effectively. Therapy may include:

  • Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or Mindfulness approaches

  • Learning to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns

  • Practical coping tools for managing panic, worry, and physical symptoms

  • Relaxation and grounding strategies to calm the mind and body

  • Support with lifestyle changes that promote resilience (such as sleep, routine, and self-care)

  • Building confidence to face feared situations gradually and safely

Therapy doesn’t aim to remove anxiety completely — instead, it helps reduce its intensity, improve coping, and give you back a sense of control over your life.

When to Seek Help

It may be time to seek support if:

  • Anxiety feels constant or overwhelming

  • It is interfering with your work, study, or relationships

  • You are avoiding important situations because of fear or worry

  • Physical symptoms are affecting your health and quality of life

You don’t have to manage this alone. Reaching out to a psychologist can be an important first step toward relief and recovery.