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Two in three people experience anxiety or depression at some point in their life. It can be mild and last only a few weeks or it can be a lot more severe. You may also find it useful to read our section on Depression.
Anxiety
People often experience anxiety or unease when they are faced with a stressful situation, for example suffering from an illness. For one in ten people, anxiety interferes with normal life and excessive anxiety is often linked with depression.
Anxiety is abnormal when it:
- is prolonged
- occcurs when a stressful event has not taken place
- gets in the way of everyday activities
Symptoms of anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Frequent urination
- Insomnia
- Irritability or anger
- Being unable to concentrate
Anxiety can be linked to a physical illness and once this improves, the anxiety will improve. It can be a symptom of another mental health problem, for example depression, personality disorder or alcohol misuse.
Treatment for anxiety disorders
It is important to speak to your GP in the first instance who will be able to discuss your feelings, offer support and treatment, or refer you for counselling or other specialist support.
- Counselling can be effective for people with anxiety or minor depression.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is most effective for anxiety disorders, including phobias and panic disorders.
- Medication – Different medicines can be given for a short period of time.
- Relaxation – There are two types of relaxation exercise: guided fantasy and muscle tension. Relaxation is a skill that must be learnt and acquired through practice.
- Exercise – Aerobic exercise will leave the heart slightly racing and releases the tension that builds up.
- Diet – Reduce your intake of caffeine as much as possible.
Information in other languages
The Sounds Healthy website has information on stress and anxiety in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Gujarati, Punjabi, Somali, and Urdu.
The Patient Information Centre has a searchable database of over 17,000 health resources in more than 60 languages. Visit the website to search the database.
Other useful organisations and information
Caring Hands have set up a new Counselling Service. The service is free and is available to anyone over the age of 50 living in the east end of Newcastle. Counselling offers a safe and supportive environment in which you can talk through any issues/feelings that cause you difficulty or concern. The service is completely confidential and can help with issues such as bereavement, anxiety, loneliness, stress or relationship difficulties.
For further information, or to make an appointment, contact Caring Hands using the details below or visit the website.
- Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust's leaflet Health anxiety
Please note - The content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you are feeling unwell, make an appointment to see your GP or contact NHS Direct. In an emergency, dial 999.
Contact Information
Caring Hands
34 Wretham Place, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1XU.
Telephone : 0191 261 5234, Fax : 0191 261 5251.
Email : caringhands.charity@btinternet.com
Article last updated November 14, 2008 2:16 pm
