Anxiety: Symptoms, Types, Self-Help, When to Get Help and Where Homoeopathy Fits

How anxiety shows up

Anxiety affects both mind and body:

• Mind — constant worry, racing thoughts, feeling on edge, irritability, poor concentration, fear that something bad will happen.
• Body — a pounding heart, breathlessness, tight chest, dizziness, trembling, sweating, a churning stomach, loose motions, headaches, muscle tension and poor sleep.

Many people first see a doctor for the physical symptoms and are surprised that anxiety is the cause.

Common types

• Generalised anxiety — persistent worry about many everyday things for months.
• Panic attacks and panic disorder — sudden surges of intense fear with palpitations, breathlessness and a feeling of losing control, often peaking within minutes.
• Social anxiety — intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
• Health anxiety — persistent worry about having a serious illness.
• Phobias — strong fear of specific things or situations.

Anxiety often appears alongside low mood or depression.

Physical causes to rule out

An overactive thyroid, anaemia, low blood sugar, heart rhythm problems, too much caffeine, some medicines and withdrawal from alcohol or sleeping pills can all cause anxiety-like symptoms. A doctor may check your pulse, blood pressure, thyroid and blood count, and sometimes an ECG.

Self-help that works

• Slow breathing — breathe in for about four counts and out for about six, for a few minutes, to calm the body's alarm response.
• Regular exercise — even a brisk 20–30 minute walk most days reduces anxiety for many people.
• Sleep at regular times.
• Cut down caffeine (tea, coffee, energy drinks) and avoid alcohol as a way to relax.
• Talk to someone you trust; keeping worries secret often makes them louder.
• Set aside a "worry time" each day, and practise bringing attention back to the present.

Treatment options

Talking therapies, especially cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), are a well-established treatment for anxiety. A psychiatrist may prescribe medicines when symptoms are moderate to severe. Prescribed medicines should be continued as advised and not stopped suddenly; any change is planned with the doctor who prescribed them.

Common myths

• "Anxiety is a sign of weakness." It is a common health condition that can affect anyone.
• "A panic attack can make you go mad." Panic attacks are frightening but do not cause madness or loss of sanity.
• "Avoiding what makes me anxious will help." Avoidance gives short-term relief but usually makes anxiety stronger over time.
• "If I need help, it means I have failed." Seeking help early is a sensible step, not a failure.

Where homoeopathic care fits

Many people seek homoeopathic care alongside counselling, lifestyle changes and, where needed, psychiatric treatment. In the consultation Dr. Meenakshi listens to how the anxiety began and how it shows up, the physical symptoms, sleep, digestion, stressors, family background and life situation. Care is individualised; it is not a substitute for psychiatric care when that is needed, and prescribed medicines continue unless the prescribing doctor advises otherwise. Progress is reviewed at each follow-up. More: anxiety — clinic page.

When to get help urgently

• Chest pain, especially with sweating, breathlessness or pain spreading to the arm or jaw — go to an emergency department; do not assume it is anxiety.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life — seek help now. In India, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or go to the nearest hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions