In certain situations, anxiety can be normal. It is our brain's way of reacting to stress or alerting us to potential danger. However, for some people, anxiety can be constant and overwhelming to the point that they might avoid social situations not to trigger or worsen the intense symptoms they feel. This would then be considered an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders are mental health disorders characterised by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are bad enough to interfere with daily life.

There are various types of anxiety disorders, such as:

Generalised anxiety disorder Panic disorder Social anxiety disorder or social phobia Specific phobias, such as intense fear of a specific object or situation Agoraphobia is an intense fear of being in a place that seems hard to escape. Separation anxiety Selective mutism

The main symptoms of anxiety disorders are excessive fear or worry, but it can also make it hard for an individual to breathe, sleep, stay still or concentrate.

However, specific symptoms are dependent on the type of anxiety disorder an individual has.

Some common symptoms are:

• Panic, fear and uneasiness
• Feelings of panic, doom, or danger
• Cold, sweating, numb or tingling hands or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Dry mouth
• Heart palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Tense muscles
• Dizziness

You should consider speaking to a professional if:

• You feel like you worry too much, and it interferes with your daily life, relationships or work.
• You find it difficult to control your anxiety or worry, which upsets you.
• You think that your anxiety might result from another physical health problem.
• You have suicidal thoughts or behaviour - in this case, seek emergency treatment immediately.