Signs of an anxiety disorder: when worry becomes a problem
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, but it can become a disorder when it is constant, out of proportion to what is happening, or stops you doing things you want to do. Signs can be mental, such as constant worry, and physical, such as a racing heart or poor sleep.
Last updated 2 November 2026
Normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder
Feeling anxious before an exam or interview is normal. An anxiety disorder is more likely when the feeling is strong, lasts a long time or keeps coming back, and gets in the way of work, study, relationships or sleep.
Signs to look for
- feeling worried or on edge much of the time
- avoiding places or situations because of fear
- a racing heart, sweating, shaking or breathlessness
- trouble sleeping or concentrating
- sudden attacks of intense fear (panic attacks)
Types of anxiety disorder
- generalised anxiety disorder, with worry about many things
- panic disorder, with repeated panic attacks
- social anxiety, with fear of being judged by others
- phobias, with fear of a particular object or situation
When to get help
Talk to a doctor if anxiety is hard to control, lasts for weeks, or affects your daily life. A psychiatrist can find out which type it is and suggest talking therapy, medicine, or both.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.
How to start
- Call or message us. Reach us on +91 90352 54779 or WhatsApp. Tell us your language and a convenient time.
- Free pre-consultation call. Our team takes your history and prepares a report for your clinician, so you do not repeat yourself.
- Video session. You meet your allotted clinician online, from home or wherever you feel comfortable.
- Your plan. The clinician explains what they find and the next steps. You decide together.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is anxiety a mental illness?
Anxiety is a normal emotion. It is called an anxiety disorder when it is persistent or severe enough to affect daily life, and that is a treatable condition.
How is anxiety treated?
Talking therapy such as CBT is a main treatment. Medicine can also help, and your psychiatrist will explain the options.
Can anxiety go away on its own?
Mild anxiety linked to a stressful event often settles. If it continues or keeps returning, getting help early makes it easier to manage.
Related
- Anxiety disorders
- GAD-7 anxiety self-test
- Anxiety therapist online
- Bipolar disorder: signs of the highs and the lows
- Mental health at work: warning signs and what helps
Sources
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.