Anxiety is part of being human. A little worry before a job interview, a racing heart before a big presentation - these responses are part of how we navigate life.
But sometimes anxiety stops feeling like a passing wave and starts to feel like a constant companion. It lingers through the day, follows you to bed, and makes even simple decisions feel heavy. That’s when it may be time to ask yourself if what you’re experiencing could be an anxiety disorder.
Important Note: BeSophro is not a medical provider and this article is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If you suspect you may have an anxiety disorder, speak to your GP or a qualified mental health professional.
Key Takeaways
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Anxiety disorders are persistent and disruptive
They last for months, interfere with daily life, and are hard to control without support.
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Physical symptoms often appear alongside emotional ones
These can include a racing heart, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, or digestive issues.
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Professional help is essential
Only a doctor or therapist can diagnose and recommend treatment for anxiety disorders.
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Sophrology can complement medical care
It helps calm the body, steady the breath, and create a sense of safety — but it should never replace professional treatment.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a recognised mental health condition where feelings of fear or worry are intense, long-lasting (six months or more), and interfere with daily life. It often includes physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, or muscle tension.
It is among the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of adults in the UK each year. They go beyond typical worry, becoming persistent, excessive, and often physically exhausting.
For example, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by worry that is present most days for at least six months. It can feel impossible to switch off, leaving you restless, irritable, and unable to concentrate. (NHS overview)
Unlike everyday anxiety, these symptoms don’t always have a clear trigger — you may feel tense or “on edge” even when nothing obvious is wrong. You can read more about this experience in our article on why you feel anxious for no reason.
Signs it may be more than everyday stress
A good question to ask yourself is: Is my anxiety getting in the way of my life?
You might be dealing with an anxiety disorder if you:
- Worry most days, and have been for several months, often about a wide range of things
- Find it hard to control your thoughts or switch off
- Experience physical symptoms such as a pounding heart, shallow breathing, or muscle tension
- Avoid certain places, people, or situations because of fear
- Struggle with sleep, concentration, or irritability
Recognising these signs early is important. The sooner you speak to a GP, the sooner you can start treatment and prevent symptoms from worsening.
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What to expect when you see a GP
Taking the first step can feel daunting, but GPs are trained and used to talking about mental health every day. You won’t be the first person to walk into their office with these worries.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Initial conversation: Your GP will ask about your symptoms, when they began, and how they’re affecting your daily life. You can take notes in advance if that helps you explain clearly.
- Screening questions: They may use short tools like the GAD-2 or GAD-7 questionnaires to assess the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
- Next steps and referrals: If they suspect an anxiety disorder, they might suggest NHS talking therapies, online CBT programmes, or a referral to a local mental health service. In some cases, they may recommend medication alongside therapy.
- Follow-up support: Your GP can arrange check-ins to review your progress, adjust treatment if necessary, and make sure you’re getting the right level of support.
Remember, asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. Seeking treatment early can make symptoms easier to manage and prevent them from getting worse.
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Common types of anxiety disorders
There are several forms of anxiety disorders, including:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Constant, excessive worry over everyday life, often with muscle tension, fatigue, and poor sleep. (NICE guidance)
- Panic Disorder: Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks — sudden surges of fear accompanied by chest tightness, sweating, trembling, and fear of losing control. (NHS resource)
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being judged or humiliated in social settings, leading to avoidance. (NHS resource)
- Specific Phobias, OCD, PTSD: Anxiety focused on a particular trigger or intrusive thought pattern.
Understanding which type you may be dealing with is something a mental health professional can help you explore, and it opens the door to tailored treatment.
One of the most important things to know is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Your GP might recommend talking therapy (such as CBT), medication, or a combination of approaches. In some cases, group therapy or online programmes are available through the NHS.
If anxiety is affecting your work, our guide to managing anxiety at work shares practical ideas for making workplace stress easier to handle while you seek professional support.
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How Sophrology can help (alongside medical treatment)
Sophrology is a gentle mind-body method that combines breathing exercises, relaxation, and visualisation. It isn’t a replacement for medical treatment, but many people find it helpful for reducing the intensity of anxiety symptoms day-to-day.
Regular practice can help you:
- Slow down racing thoughts with mindful breathing
- Ease muscle tension and reduce physical agitation
- Build resilience and reconnect with a sense of inner calm
If you’d like to get started, try our 8 practical steps to manage anxiety and see how simple breathing techniques can make stressful moments easier to navigate.
At-a-Glance: Anxiety Disorder FAQs
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When does anxiety become an anxiety disorder?
When it is persistent, hard to control, and affects everyday life for months at a time.
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What physical symptoms are common?
Racing heart, shallow breathing, dizziness, trembling, sweating, digestive issues, or feeling constantly “on edge.”
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Can Sophrology help?
Yes, as a supportive practice. Sophrology helps calm the body and mind, but it should be used alongside guidance from a doctor or therapist, not instead of it.
Anxiety doesn’t always signal a disorder, but when it feels unrelenting, impacts your sleep, or stops you living life fully, it’s time to seek help. With professional support and complementary practices like Sophrology, it is possible to regain balance, breathe more easily, and feel more like yourself again.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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