Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It can feel like worry, nervousness, or unease about what might happen in the future. While everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, for some, it becomes persistent, intense, and difficult to manage, affecting daily life, relationships, and wellbeing. However, when it becomes overwhelming or disproportionate to the situation, it can interfere with living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Micro definitions:
Worry: Thoughts focused on potential problems or negative outcomes, often repetitive and difficult to control.
Nervousness: A feeling of restlessness or agitation, often linked to anticipating something challenging or unfamiliar.
Fear: An emotional response to an immediate or perceived threat, which may be physical or psychological.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder is a condition where worry becomes excessive, persistent, and difficult to control. People with GAD often feel anxious about a wide range of everyday situations – work, health, relationships, finances – even when there is little or no immediate reason to worry. This worry can feel constant, as if the mind never fully switches off.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder involves an intense fear or anxiety about social situations where one might be scrutinised, judged, or negatively evaluated by others. People with SAD frequently worry about saying or doing something embarrassing, being perceived as awkward, or being rejected. Worries that can occur before, during, and after social situations, creating a cycle of anxiety that impacts relationships, work, and daily life.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder involves experiencing sudden, intense episodes of fear known as panic attacks. These attacks often occur without warning or clear triggers and can feel overwhelming or terrifying. Many people with Panic Disorder begin to fear having another attack, leading them to avoid certain situations or places they associate with previous attacks.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder involves excessive fear or distress about being apart from people to whom one feels strongly attached. This anxiety goes beyond typical concern and can interfere with daily life, work, relationships, and a person’s ability to function independently. While it is commonly associated with children, adults can also experience separation anxiety.
Overarching symptoms of anxieties:
Psychological Symptoms
- Excessive worry or fear that feels difficult to control
- Obsessions about certain ideas; a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Persistent fear of judgement, embarrassment, or rejection
- Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety
- Irritability or becoming easily frustrated
- Trouble concentrating or mind going blank
- Constant need for reassurance about safety, health, or relationships
Psychosomatic Symptoms
- Racing heart or heart palpitations
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sweating, trembling, or shaking
- Muscle tension, aches, or unexplained physical discomfort
- Frequent headaches
- Sleep difficulties, including trouble falling or staying asleep
- Anxiety surrounding a particular life event or experience that has occurred in the past; a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Nausea, stomach aches, or other digestive issues
- Fatigue or feeling drained
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Anxiety is common and treatable. With the right support and practical strategies, it is possible to regain clarity, confidence, and peace in your life.
You don’t have to manage it alone. At Third Wave Counselling, we combine person-centred, integrative approaches with genuine care to help you understand your anxiety and build tools to move forward with strength.
If you’re ready to explore therapy or want to learn more about how counselling can support you, contact us today to book a free consultation or ask any questions you may have.