What is anxiety?
Many people seek help for anxiety and anxiety is a normal response, it allows us to be able to deal with real situations appropriately and is something that everyone experiences at different times and with varying intensity. So anxiety is helpful when you can react to situations effectively and the anxiety symptoms are only temporary and occasional. Anxiety becomes unhelpful when everyday or specific situations that are not a danger are evaluated consciously or subconsciously as a threat. This can lead to feelings of worry, nervousness and unease and you may know or may not know the reasons for feeling this way, this is called Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
In addition there are many conditions where anxiety is the main symptom, sometimes focussed around a specific event and anxiety has been classed into a number of categories. For example, fears/phobias, post traumatic stress disorder (ptsd),obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) body dysmorphic disorder and panic disorder.
From historical knowledge, continual research and diagnosis, anxiety has been developed into various categories and anxiety disorders. Below are a number of these variations, hovering over the title or clicking on them will provide further information for you. In addition to the right there is a running list of the main types of anxiety symptoms that can be experienced and at varying degrees.
Main Types of anxiety
It could be from reading all this information and the signs and symptoms of anxiety that you are aware of particular tendancies. it is also OK if you are not aware of any patterns forming and are just aware of any disturbing or disruptive experiences.
In either case if you are experiencing any of the above or are worried about your psychological health and personal safety, please always consult with with GP first. For help for anxiety, contact the London Anxiety Clinic in central London for a complimentary 30 minute telephone consultation.
There also also a number of support lines available :
NHS Emergences for urgent help and attention. Call the emergency number of 999. An operator will answer.
For non urgent enquiries, or advice and health, the NHS out of hours service can be called on 111.
For people that are experiencing severe distress, or suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans operate a confidential helpline 24 hours each day. They can be contacted on 08457 90 90 90.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Help for social anxiety London anxiety clinic
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is also known as a Social phobia and reference to the NHS, social anxiety disorder is described as one of the most common of the anxiety disorders. Someone who suffers from this can feel anxious either when observed or when talking with other people. Certain social situations may also be avoided, for example, shopping, meeting new people. eating in front of others, because of the fear of being humiliated, or saying something stupid, insignificant or embarrassing and then being judged by others. Everyone can feel socially anxious at times and the difference with social anxiety disorder is that the distressing feelings and thoughts are persistent, and everyday situations are uncomfortable.
Take a Free Online Social Anxiety Scale Test