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:

“Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships”.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 Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety – What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? (Australian’s) 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 Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder the NIMH elaborate on:

“Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily 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 Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder the NIMH explain:

“Symptoms of GAD include:

  • Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge
  • Being easily fatigued
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Being irritable
  • Having headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or unexplained pain
  • Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
  • Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep”.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

In the United Kingdom (UK) according to the (United Kingdom) NHS in Overview – Generalised Anxiety Disorder In Adults – Who’s Affected?:

“GAD is a common condition.

More women are affected than men, and the condition is more common in people from the ages of 35 to 55”.14

Anxiety Management Strategies

What are 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…”.15

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”.16

Online Programs and Apps

Are anxiety online programs and Apps available?

Depending on your Country, anxiety online programs and Apps may be available.

Your health care provider may know of your Country’s recommended anxiety online programs and Apps.

In Managing Anxiety: Online Programs and Apps 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”.17

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”.18

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

  1. 5 Types of Common Anxiety Disorders
  2. 5 Ways To Get Better Sleep
  3. 6 Ways To Feel Less Anxious In the Mornings
  4. Adaa.org [Anxiety and Depression Association of America]
  5. Alcohol and Stress
  6. Anxiety
  7. Anxiety
  8. Anxiety
  9. Anxiety
  10. Anxiety
  11. Anxiety Disorders
  12. Anxiety Disorders
  13. Anxiety Management Strategies
  14. Anxiety and Alcohol: Does Drinking Worsen Symptoms?
  15. Anxiety and Panic Attacks
  16. Anxiety vs. Depression: Which Do I Have (or Is It Both)?
  17. Anxiety, Fear and Panic [+ Audio: How To Cope With Anxiety – A Relaxation Technique]
  18. Anxiety.org
  19. Anxiety: What You Need To Know
  20. Anxietyuk.org.uk [Anxiety UK]
  21. Are You Afraid You Might Have Agoraphobia?
  22. Beyondblue.org.au
  23. Borderline Personality Disorder
  24. Can Massage Relieve Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress?
  25. Depression, Anxiety & Illness
  26. Diet and Mental Health
  27. Do Anxiety Rings Really Help Manage Stress?
  28. Do I Have An Anxiety Disorder?
  29. Does CBD Help With Anxiety?
  30. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  31. Factors Affecting Women: Menopause
  32. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  33. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  34. Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
  35. Foodandmoodcentre.com.au [Food & Mood Centre, Australia]
  36. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  37. Generalized Anxiety Disorder In Adults
  38. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  39. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  40. Help From Health Professionals
  41. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  42. How Box Breathing Can Help You Destress
  43. How Guided Imagery Helps You Relax
  44. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  45. How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
  46. How To Stop Overthinking: Tips and Coping Strategies
  47. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E17: Are Anxiety & Depression Destroying Your Life?
  48. I’m So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet
  49. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  50. Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
  51. Managing Anxiety
  52. Mastering Midlife Mood Changes With Marlene Freeman, MD
  53. Mayo Clinic Minute: Prescribing Nature for Mental, Physical Health [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  54. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Countdown To Control Anxiety
  55. Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ Video]
  56. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  57. Menopause and Mental Health
  58. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  59. Mental Health & Emotions
  60. Mental Health Awareness Week [15-23 May 2023]
  61. Mental Health: Mental Health Self Help Guides
  62. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  63. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]: Your First Stop for Better Mental Health At Work
  64. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  65. Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
  66. Mood and the Menopause
  67. Mycompass.org.au
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Kava
  71. National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders
    Anxiety
  72. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  73. Phobias
  74. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  75. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  76. Potential Sources of Anxiety
  77. Relaxation: How To Relax? [+ Video]
  78. Self-Help Tool: Menopause and Mental Wellbeing
  79. Signs You Have High-Functioning Anxiety
  80. Signs and Symptoms [Anxiety]
  81. Sleep, Food, Exercise, Stress: Why Working on One of These Can Improve the Others
  82. Social Anxiety Disorder
  83. Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness
    Anxiety Disorders
  84. Social Phobia/Social Anxiety
  85. Spouse or Partner
  86. Symptoms of Menopause
  87. Taking Care of Your Mental Health
  88. Top Tips To Improve Your Mental Wellbeing
  89. Treatments for Anxiety
  90. Types of Anxiety
  91. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  92. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  93. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  94. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  95. What Causes Anxiety?
  96. What Is Anxiety and Depression?
  97. What Is Anxiety?
  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: 20 May 2020. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 04 October 2023
  2. Anxiety. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/anxiety Accessed: 04 October 2023
  3. Anxiety: Summary – What Is Anxiety? Last Updated: 20 May 2020. MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html Accessed: 04 October 2023
  4. Anxiety Disorders: What Is Anxiety? Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml Accessed: 04 October 2023
  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: 04 October 2023
  6. Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety – What Does An Anxiety Condition Feel Like? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/signs-and-symptoms Accessed: 04 October 2023
  7. Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety? Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/index.shtml Accessed: 04 October 2023
  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: 04 October 2023
  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: 04 October 2023
  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: 04 October 2023
  11. Anxiety Disorders: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety – Generalized Anxiety Disorders. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml?rf= Accessed: 04 October 2023
  12. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Treatment – Treatment Information. This Page Was Updated: 11 November 2022. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/generalized-anxiety-disorder-gad/treatment Accessed: 04 October 2023
  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: 04 October 2023
  14. Overview – Generalised Anxiety Disorder In Adults – Who’s Affected? Page Last Reviewed: 05 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/generalised-anxiety-disorder/overview/ Accessed: 04 October 2023
  15. Anxiety Management Strategies. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies Accessed: 04 October 2023
  16. Treatments for Anxiety. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety Accessed: 04 October 2023
  17. Managing Anxiety: Online Programs and Apps. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | 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: 04 October 2023
  18. Managing Anxiety. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 28 June 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/anxiety/managing-anxiety Accessed: 04 October 2023
Topic Last Updated: 05 January 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 October 2023

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