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Anxiety

We all experience anxiety from time to time; it’s part of being human. But if it’s stopping you doing the things you want to do in life, it might be time to get some help. Find out more about anxiety, the different types of anxiety disorder, and what help is available.

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What is anxiety?

Anxiety is when you feel scared, worried or panicky about something. It’s a normal, human feeling and your body’s natural response to stress or danger. Anyone can experience anxiety, regardless of age, gender, race, culture or faith.

We all feel anxious from time to time. But the feeling usually passes once we feel safe or solve the problem that was causing the anxiety.

When is anxiety a problem?

Play Video: Living with anxiety Living with anxiety

Anxiety becomes a problem when it stops you from doing the things you want or need to do in life. If this sounds like you, it might be time to get some help. A good place to start is by making an appointment with your GP. If your anxiety is having a major impact on your life, they might diagnose you with an anxiety disorder. But your anxiety doesn’t have to be severe for you to get help. 

Young people have told us that their anxiety has sometimes been dismissed as perfectionism or the normal ups and downs of being a teenager. But if it’s impacting your life, you deserve help. If someone dismisses your experience, remember that it doesn’t mean what you’re feeling isn’t valid.

What causes anxiety?

All sorts of things can cause anxiety. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ reason to feel anxious. Sometimes it has a clear trigger, but other times it can feel like it comes out of nowhere. Some people might feel it in specific situations. Others might feel it more generally. The cause of your anxiety can also change over time.

Below are some real stories from young people about what caused their anxiety.

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Anxiety about the news and world events

Sometimes what we see in the news and everything that’s going on in the world can lead to feelings of anxiety. It’s normal to feel like this when you’re faced with difficult events.

If you need support coping with distressing events you're seeing in the news and around the world, our guide has tips that can help.

Guide to coping with the news and world events

Symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety looks and feels different for everyone. We might notice anxiety in:

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These physical symptoms can be so frustrating and a huge discomfort. And when we don’t know how common they are, it can leave us feeling all alone.
Sophie: The physical symptoms of anxiety we don't talk about

Types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders often come after a conversation with a GP. Below are some of the common ways it can show up and what these types of disorders are called:

It’s also common to experience anxiety alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression or PTSD. We have lots of information and advice on different mental health conditions to help you find the right support.

Advice on mental health conditions

Treating anxiety disorders

If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety, help is available. The best place to start is by making an appointment to see your GP. Even though it might feel like they’re removed from what’s going on in your life, your GP is there to support you with practical options.

Below are some of the treatment options available. The treatment you get offered will depend on your age and what’s causing your anxiety . The important thing is to find what works best for you.

Get advice on how to speak to your GP

If making appointments and going to the doctor causes you anxiety, let your GP know. They will be able to make arrangements to help. For example, they could arrange phone calls or home visits. You could take someone with you to appointments or ask someone to call the GP for you. It’s okay to tell your GP if you’re struggling and need to make adjustments – they are there to help, not judge.

Real stories about getting help for anxiety

Ways to look after yourself if you have anxiety

If anxiety is taking over your life, it’s important to get professional help. But there are also things you can do to look after yourself and feel better. Below are some coping techniques that you can try.

Play Video:

Get tips from Dr Ally on how to look after yourself if you have anxiety.

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Read how Nana Yaa uses poetry as a mental health tool for her anxiety

How to support a friend with anxiety

It can be hard to know how to help a friend or someone close to you struggling with anxiety. It’s normal to feel worried about saying or doing the wrong thing. But remember that it’s not your responsibility to fix anything. Sometimes just listening to how they’re feeling can be a really big help.

If a friend opens up to you about struggling with anxiety, here are some things you can do to support them.

  • Reassure them in anxious moments

    If your friend is feeling panicky, the best thing to do is help them calm down and feel safe. You could try taking slow, deep breaths together, reassure them that they’ll be okay, or sit with them until it passes.

  • Validate their feelings

    Try to remember that someone experiencing anxiety can’t control their worries or choose how they feel. It can be difficult to understand anxiety if it’s something that you don’t struggle with. Try not to make assumptions about their behaviour or dismiss their worries. Remind them that it’s okay and although what they’re going through is difficult, they’re not alone.

  • Ask how you can help

    Anxiety can affect people in many ways and what’s helpful for one person might not be helpful for another. If you’re not sure how to support your friend, the best thing to do is ask what they need. They might not know the answers yet, but it lets them know that you’re ready to try when they do.

  • Don't focus on anxiety

    Try not to make anxiety a big deal in your relationship with the person. Spending time together and talking about other things can really help take their mind off anxiety. Try to keep inviting them to things, letting them know there’s no pressure to join if they don’t feel up to it. Even if they say no, this can help to reassure them that you care. You could even encourage and help them do the things that they enjoy.

  • Encourage them to speak to someone they trust

    If you’re worried about your friend, you can encourage them to speak to an adult they trust, like a relative or carer, or a community or faith leader.

  • Help them find professional help

    Encourage your friend to speak to a doctor or someone at their school, college or university for professional help. There are also helplines and online resources at the bottom of this page that you can recommend. Your friend might not want to seek help, but it’s important to let them know there’s help out there.

It’s important to remember to look after your own mental health too and only support them in ways that feel manageable for you. It’s not all on you to support your friend with anxiety.

Read more on supporting a friend with their mental health

Where to get help

If anxiety is taking over, you are not alone. Here are some services that can help you get through this.

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This page was reviewed in June 2023.

It was co-created by young people with lived experience of anxiety.

We will next review the page in 2026.

YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK – the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.

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