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: 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”.2

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”.3

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…”.4

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”.5

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

DotS the definition of GAD may vary. In Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need To Know – What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder? the NIMH elaborate on:

“Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, school, work, or family. But people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) feel extremely worried or nervous more frequently or more intensely about these and other things—even when the worry is out of proportion with the situation.

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. For people with GAD, these feelings of anxiety can last for months or even years”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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”.9

GAD Symptoms

What are the symptoms of GAD?

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need To Know – 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
  • Feel irritable or “on edge” frequently
  • Feel restless or have trouble relaxing
  • Have a hard time concentrating
  • Have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep or feel fatigued
  • Experience pain such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or tension
  • Tremble or twitch
  • Sweat a lot, feel lightheaded, or feel out of breath
  • Have a hard time swallowing
  • Make frequent trips to the bathroom”.10

GAD+

Is there an association between GAD and other mental and physical health disorders or conditions?

In Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need To Know – What Other Illnesses Can Co-occur With Generalized Anxiety Disorder? the NIMH elaborate on:

“Some people with GAD have other mental and physical health disorders or conditions, including depression, other anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain syndromes, cardiovascular problems, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. GAD is also commonly associated with alcohol and substance misuse”.11

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”.12

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…”.13

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”.14

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.

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 Anxiety Disorders: Diagnosis the (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“You may start by seeing your primary care provider to find out if your anxiety could be related to your physical health. He or she can check for signs of an underlying medical condition that may need treatment.

However, you may need to see a mental health specialist if you have severe anxiety. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. A psychologist and certain other mental health professionals can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy)”.15

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.

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  7. Adaa.org [Anxiety and Depression Association of America]
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  22. Anxiety, Fear and Panic [+ Audio: How To Cope With Anxiety – A Relaxation Technique]
  23. Anxiety: What You Need To Know
  24. Anxietyuk.org.uk [Anxiety UK]
  25. Are You Afraid You Might Have Agoraphobia?
  26. Beyondblue.org.au
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  35. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
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  38. Foodandmoodcentre.com.au [Food & Mood Centre, Australia]
  39. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  40. Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Adults
  41. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: When Worry Gets Out of Control
  42. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  43. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  44. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
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  52. 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]
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  60. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  61. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]: Your First Stop for Better Mental Health At Work
  62. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  63. Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
  64. Mood and the Menopause
  65. Mycompass.org.au
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  68. Nimh.nih.gov [National Institute of Mental Health, United States]
  69. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  70. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: Lifestyle Medicine
  71. Our Best Mental Health Tips – Backed By Research
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  72. Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms
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  73. Phobias
  74. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  75. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  76. Rethinking Mental Health and Antidepressant Prescribing
  77. Self Help CBT Techniques
  78. Signs Your Anxiety Is on the Rise
  79. Social Anxiety Disorder
  80. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness
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  82. Social Phobia/Social Anxiety
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  88. Types of Anxiety
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  93. What Is Anxiety? The Signs, Symptoms and Causes of Anxiety Conditions
  94. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
  95. What Is Menopause? [2025]
  96. What Is Perimenopause?
  97. What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
  98. What’s the Link Between the Menopause and Anxiety?
  99. Women and Anxiety
  100. 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: 01 March 2026
  2. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 17 October 2023. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 01 March 2026
  3. Anxiety Disorders: What Is Anxiety? Last Reviewed: December 2024. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders Accessed: 01 March 2026
  4. 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: 01 March 2026
  5. Anxiety Signs and Symptoms: What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 01 March 2026
  6. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need To Know – What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Revised: 2025. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: Accessed: 01 March 2026
  7. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 20 August 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 01 March 2026
  8. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 20 August 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 01 March 2026
  9. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 20 August 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 01 March 2026
  10. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need To Know – What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Revised: 2025. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: Accessed: 01 March 2026
  11. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What You Need To Know – What Other Illnesses Can Co-occur With Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Revised: 2025. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: Accessed: 01 March 2026
  12. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Understanding GAD. This Page Was Updated: 20 August 2025. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad Accessed: 01 March 2026
  13. Anxiety Management Strategies. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies Accessed: 01 March 2026
  14. Treatments for Anxiety. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety Accessed: 01 March 2026
  15. Anxiety Disorders: Diagnosis. 29 July 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967 Accessed: 01 March 2026
Topic Last Updated: 01 March 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 01 March 2026

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