Anxiety

“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness.
It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense,
and have a rapid heartbeat”.1

Umbrella

What may the Anxiety Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety

What is anxiety?

DotS the definition of anxiety may vary. In Anxiety the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Anxiety is a common condition. It’s a normal human reaction to stressful situations. Anxiety can make you feel nervous, worried, panicky and fearful”.2

In Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? the (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:

“Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. It might cause you to sweat, feel restless and tense, and have a rapid heartbeat. It can be a normal reaction to stress. For example, you might feel anxious when faced with a difficult problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. It can help you to cope. The anxiety may give you a boost of energy or help you focus. But for people with anxiety disorders, the fear is not temporary and can be overwhelming”.3

Anxiety Disorder

What is an anxiety disorder?

DotS the definition of anxiety disorder may vary. In Anxiety Disorders: What Is Anxiety? the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health’s (NIMH) definition is:

“Feeling anxious is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work, or family. But anxiety disorders involve more than occasional worry or fear. For people with these disorders, anxiety does not go away, is felt in many situations, and can get worse over time”.4

Types

What are some common anxiety disorders?

In Anxiety: What Is An Anxiety Disorder the (United Kingdom) Mental Health Foundation (MHF) explain:

“Some common anxiety disorders include:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder…
  • Panic Disorder…
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)…
  • Social Anxiety Disorder…
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)…
  • Phobias…”.5

Signs and Symptoms

What are signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder?

In Anxiety Signs and Symptoms: What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? (Australian) Beyondblue explain:


Anxiety“There are several different anxiety conditions and each has its own unique symptoms”.6

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

DotS the definition of GAD may vary. In Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control the NIMH elaborate on:

“Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people may worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But people with GAD feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently about these and other things—even when there is little or no reason to worry about them. GAD usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread that interferes with how you live your life. It is not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years”.7

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s (ADAA) definition is:

“Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a number of different things. People with GAD may anticipate disaster and may be overly concerned about money, health, family, work, or other issues. Individuals with GAD find it difficult to control their worry. They may worry more than seems warranted about actual events or may expect the worst even when there is no apparent reason for concern”.8

The ADAA also explain:

“GAD is diagnosed when a person finds it difficult to control worry on more days than not for at least six months and has three or more symptoms. This differentiates GAD from worry that may be specific to a set stressor or for a more limited period of time”.9

GAD Causes

What causes GAD?

According to the ADAA:

“Although the exact cause of GAD is unknown, there is evidence that biological factors, family background, and life experiences, particularly stressful ones, play a role”.10

GAD Symptoms

What are the symptoms of GAD?

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control – What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? the NIMH explain:

“People with GAD may:

  • Worry excessively about everyday things
  • Have trouble controlling their worries or feelings of nervousness
  • Know that they worry much more than they should
  • Feel restless and have trouble relaxing
  • Have a hard time concentrating
  • Startle easily
  • Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Tire easily or feel tired all the time
  • Have headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains
  • Have a hard time swallowing
  • Tremble or twitch
  • Feel irritable or “on edge”
  • Sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath
  • Have to go to the bathroom frequently”.11

GAD+

Is there an association between GAD, other anxiety disorders and depression?

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Treatment – Treatment Information the ADAA explain:

“Other anxiety disorders, depression, or substance abuse often accompany GAD, which rarely occurs alone; co-occurring conditions must also be treated with appropriate therapies”.12

GAD Common or Not

How common is GAD?

In the United States (U.S.) according to the ADAA:

“GAD affects 6.8 million adults, or 3.1% of the U.S. population, in any given year. Women are twice as likely to be affected. The disorder comes on gradually and can begin across the life cycle, though the risk is highest between childhood and middle age”.13

Anxiety Management Strategies

What are some anxiety management strategies?

In Anxiety Management Strategies Beyondblue elaborate on each of these:

  • “Slow breathing…
  • Progressive muscle relaxation…
  • Stay in the present moment…
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle…
  • Small acts of bravery…
  • Challenge your self-talk…
  • Be kind to yourself
  • Plan worry time…
  • Get to know your anxiety…”.14

Anxiety Treatments

What are treatments for anxiety?

In Treatments for Anxiety Beyondblue elaborate on:

“There’s a wide range of evidence-based psychological and medical treatments for anxiety conditions. Some treatments work better for certain types of anxiety conditions.

You can work with your mental health professional to find the most effective treatments for you. You might need to try a few different ones before you find one or more which work for you”.15

Online Resources

Are anxiety online resources available?

Depending on your Country, anxiety online resources may be available.

Your health care provider may know of your Country’s recommended anxiety online resources.

In Managing Anxiety: Online Resources the JH note:

“If you’re looking for information online, it is best to use websites, apps, and blogs from well-respected sources such as those with government backing or from an organisation with experts who understand anxiety”.16

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have anxiety or an anxiety disorder?

If you think you have anxiety or an anxiety disorder, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. In Managing Anxiety the JH explain:

“Remember, anxiety is a very common condition and there are lots of things you can do to get help.

What works for each of us will be different. You may need to try a few different approaches before you find one that helps you. Your health professional can also help you find the best approach”.17

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Anxiety?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Anxiety?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

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  6. 8 Ways To Calm Your Anxiety In the Moment
  7. About Anxiety
  8. Adaa.org [Anxiety and Depression Association of America]
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  16. Anxiety Has Its Benefits — But Only in Healthy Doses
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  19. Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
  20. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  21. Anxiety and Natural Therapies
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  23. Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Is It Both)?
  24. Anxiety, Fear and Panic [+ Audio: How To Cope With Anxiety – A Relaxation Technique]
  25. Anxiety: What You Need To Know
  26. Anxietyuk.org.uk [Anxiety UK]
  27. Are You Afraid You Might Have Agoraphobia?
  28. Beyondblue.org.au
  29. Borderline Personality Disorder
  30. CBT for Menopausal Symptoms
  31. Can You Identify Your Emotional Triggers?
  32. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Menopause
  33. De-Stress Eating: Foods To Help Reduce Anxiety
  34. Diet and Mental Health
  35. Do Anxiety Rings Really Help Manage Stress?
  36. Do I Have An Anxiety Disorder?
  37. Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
  38. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  39. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
  40. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  41. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  42. Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
  43. Foodandmoodcentre.com.au [Food & Mood Centre, Australia]
  44. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  45. Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Adults
  46. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control
  47. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  48. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  49. Help From Health Professionals
  50. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  51. How Box Breathing Can Help You Destress
  52. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  53. How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
  54. How To Manage Fear and Anxiety
  55. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E17: Are Anxiety & Depression Destroying Your Life?
  56. I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet
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  57. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!] [Other Languages and Formats]
  58. Magnesium for Anxiety: Does It Help?
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  60. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  61. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  62. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Countdown To Control Anxiety
  63. Menopause and Mental Health
  64. Mental Health
  65. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  66. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]: Your First Stop for Better Mental Health At Work
  67. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  68. Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
  69. Mood and the Menopause
  70. Mycompass.org.au
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Kava
  74. Nimh.nih.gov [National Institute of Mental Health, United States]
  75. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  76. Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms
    Anxiety
  77. Phobias
  78. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  79. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  80. Self Help CBT Techniques
  81. Signs You Have High-Functioning Anxiety
  82. Signs Your Anxiety Is on the Rise
  83. Sleep, Food, Exercise, Stress: Why Working on One of These Can Improve the Others
  84. Social Anxiety Disorder
  85. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness
  86. Social Anxiety Disorder: Treatments and Tips for Managing This Challenging Condition
  87. Social Phobia/Social Anxiety
  88. Spouse or Partner
  89. Symptoms of Anxiety
  90. Tips for Coping With An Anxiety Disorder
  91. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  92. Treatments for Anxiety
  93. Types of Anxiety
  94. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  95. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  96. What Causes Anxiety?
  97. What Is Anxiety and Depression?
  98. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  99. What’s the Link Between the Menopause and Anxiety?
  100. Women and Anxiety
  101. Women and Anxiety

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 17 October 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 31 December 2024
  2. Anxiety. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/anxiety Accessed: 31 December 2024
  3. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 17 October 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 31 December 2024
  4. Anxiety Disorders: What Is Anxiety? Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders Accessed: 31 December 2024
  5. Anxiety: What Is An Anxiety Disorder. Last Updated: 21 February 2022. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/a/anxiety Accessed: 31 December 2024
  6. Anxiety Signs and Symptoms: What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 31 December 2024
  7. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control. Revised: 2022. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: Accessed: 31 December 2024
  8. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 31 December 2024
  9. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 31 December 2024
  10. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 31 December 2024
  11. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control – What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Revised: 2022. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: Accessed: 31 December 2024
  12. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Treatment – Treatment Information. This Page Was Updated: 03 December 2024. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/treatment Accessed: 31 December 2024
  13. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 25 October 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 31 December 2024
  14. Anxiety Management Strategies. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies Accessed: 31 December 2024
  15. Treatments for Anxiety. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety Accessed: 31 December 2024
  16. Managing Anxiety: Online Resources. Last Updated: 28 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety#practical-places-to-start Accessed: 31 December 2024
  17. Managing Anxiety. Last Updated: 28 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety Accessed: 31 December 2024
Topic Last Updated: 18 February 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 31 December 2024

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