Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety can cause many different symptoms. It might affect how you feel physically, mentally and how you behave.

It's not always easy to recognise when anxiety is the reason you're feeling or acting differently.

Physical symptoms

• faster, irregular or more noticeable heartbeat
• feeling lightheaded and dizzy
• headaches
• chest pains
• loss of appetite
• sweating
• breathlessness
• feeling hot
• shaking

Mental symptoms

• feeling tense or nervous
• being unable to relax
• worrying about the past or future
• feeling tearful
• not being able to sleep
• difficulty concentrating
• fear of the worst happening
• intrusive traumatic memories
• obsessive thoughts

Changes in behaviour

• not being able to enjoy your leisure time
• difficulty looking after yourself
• struggling to form or maintain relationships
• worried about trying new things
• avoiding places and situations that create anxiety
• compulsive behaviour, such as constantly checking things

Symptoms of a panic attack

If you experience sudden, intense anxiety and fear, it might be the symptoms of a panic attack. Other symptoms may include:

• a racing heartbeat
• feeling faint, dizzy or lightheaded
• feeling that you're losing control
• sweating, trembling or shaking
• shortness of breath or breathing very quickly
• a tingling in your fingers or lips
• feeling sick (nausea)

A panic attack usually lasts 5 to 30 minutes. They can be frightening, but they're not dangerous and should not harm you.

Adapted from [Anxiety-Fear-Panic]