Recognise and better understand anxiety

15 May 2023

Last updated: 28 January 2025

ICAS

Learn more about what it means to have anxiety, how it can affect your mental health and ways to manage it.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It's a natural response to stress and can help us stay alert and focused in difficult situations.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the UK, affecting around one in six adults every year. They can cause persistent and excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms - such as palpitations, sweating and shortness of breath.

Read more on what it means to have anxiety, how it can affect your mental health and some resources from mental health organisations.

Understanding anxiety

Anxiety is a complex and multifaceted condition that can have both psychological and physical causes.

Some common factors that can contribute to anxiety include:

Genetics: Some people may be more prone to anxiety due to their genetic makeup.

Environment: Traumatic or stressful life events, such as abuse, divorce or job loss can trigger anxiety.

Personality: People who are perfectionists, worriers or have low self-esteem may be more likely to develop anxiety.

Substance abuse: Drugs and alcohol can increase anxiety levels and trigger panic attacks.

Types of anxiety disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A chronic condition that causes excessive and persistent worry about everyday events and activities.

Panic disorder: An intense and sudden feeling of fear that can lead to a panic attack.

Social anxiety disorder: Fear and anxiety about social situations and being judged or evaluated by others.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A condition characterised by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that can be difficult to control.

Listen, share and be heard

If you feel comfortable doing so, it may help to talk about how you feel to friends, family, or perhaps to your line manager or your firm’s mental health first aider. You could also consult a doctor or try talking therapy.

If you are a student who is experiencing anxiety, you may feel comfortable speaking to your line manager or firm’s Training Principal, or you could make use of the ICAS Student Assistance Programme which offer a suite of wellbeing services and can be found in Advantage.

Tips on how to better manage anxiety

Here are a few tips provided by the NHS on how to cope with anxiety:

Try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member, health professional or counsellor. You could also contact Samaritans if you need someone to talk to.