Anxiety and fear are normal human emotions and are often found as a response to stress, for example, the feelings of nervousness or anxiety experienced prior to an exam. This type of anxiety is commonly called worry, and is relieved once the problem is sorted out. Normal anxiety becomes abnormal when the symptoms are so intense that they stop us coping with day to day activities.

Symptoms include:

Irritability and an inability to concentrate.
Disturbed sleep pattern.
General feelings of tiredness.
Heart palpitations (powerful heart beats).
Tension and pains in muscles.
Restlessness.
Sweating.
Hyperventilation (over breathing).
Dizziness.
Faintness.
Indigestion, or reduced appetite.

Sudden unexpected surges of anxiety are called panic attacks and are very unpleasant and frightening. It is therefore unsurprising that anxiety is often accompanied by some depression.

Seeking help with the problem of anxiety

Talking about the problem.
Tell your family about your difficulties; they can be a great source of support and help.
There are many professions who can help you with this problem; the family doctor, counsellors, nurses, and psychologists, as well as community organisations.
Learning to relax through the use of ‘relaxation techniques’. These can be taught by nurses or counsellors, or can be learnt through the use of relaxation tapes and books.
Medication can help; although some of these medications may cause dependence with regular use. You should therefore, seek proper advice and information on the use of these from your doctor.

Share this...

Were you prepared for the visit today?

Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.

Am I Prepared?

Related Information

Instant Translation

Translate and print any of your patient information instantly.

News & Blog

Diet

NOUNthe kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. “a vegetarian diet”a special course of food to which a person restricts themselves, either…

Diet

School

I’ve been making a list of the things they don’t teach you at school. They don’t teach you how to love somebody. They don’t teach you…

School

Going Green

To reduce our carbon footprint and help the planet, MySelfCare and BOE have joined the Chamber Low Carbon scheme. We’re on track for becoming greenhouse gas…

News & Blog

Family Relationships

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”…

Relationships

Exercise in the home

Everyone should aim to achieve 150 minutes of exercise a week, but for some it may not be so easy. Here are some tips for exercise…

Exercise

Was this information useful?

How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

How was your visit today?

How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.

Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals

Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.

You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.

Find Out More

News & Blog

View All

Part 2 – Delivering Information

This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.

Videos

Part 1 – Scanning QRs

This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature

Videos

Introduction Video

Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital

Videos

Stressed man frustrated with electronic devices

Burnout at work

Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…

Blog