Understanding anxiety disorders: when worry becomes too much
Everyone feels anxious from time to time: before a big exam, a job interview, or while waiting for important news. But for some people, anxiety goes beyond everyday stress. It becomes constant and overwhelming, and starts to affect daily life. This can be a sign of an anxiety disorder, a common and treatable mental health condition.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are conditions where worry, fear or panic happen too often, too strongly and for too long. These feelings can make even simple tasks feel hard and exhausting.
Common types include:
- Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): constant, hard to control worry about everyday things, often without a clear reason.
- Panic disorder: sudden episodes of intense fear (panic attacks) with a racing heart, sweating, dizziness or shortness of breath.
- Social anxiety disorder: intense fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected in social situations.
- Specific phobias: strong fear of particular things, such as heights, flying, animals or injections.
Common symptoms of anxiety
- Persistent worry or fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle tension or aches
- Feeling tired all the time
- Irritability or mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Panic attacks with chest tightness, a fast heartbeat or feeling faint
These symptoms can affect work, study, relationships and physical health.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders can happen to anyone, and usually come from a mix of factors:
- Genes: the risk is higher if family members have anxiety.
- Brain chemistry: changes in how the brain responds to stress.
- Life experiences: trauma, long-term stress or loss can trigger anxiety.
- Personality: people who are shy or perfectionists may be more prone to anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are not a sign of weakness, and you are not alone.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Anxiety is treatable. With the right care, most people see a big improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Treatment is planned around each person and may include:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): a proven talking therapy that helps you notice and change unhelpful thought patterns. I use TEAM-CBT, which measures your progress at every session.
- Medicine: in some cases, safe and effective medicines can reduce anxiety.
- Breathing, relaxation and grounding skills to calm the body and mind.
- Lifestyle support: sleep, food and physical activity all help recovery.
Why early help matters
Many people live with anxiety for years before seeking help. The earlier anxiety is treated, the easier it is to manage. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, you can book a confidential consultation in person in Kathmandu or online from anywhere.
Talk to Dr. Yujal
Confidential consultations in person at Kuleshwor, Kathmandu, or online by Google Meet from anywhere, in Nepali or English.
This article is general information, not medical advice for you personally. See our medical disclaimer. If you are in danger or thinking of ending your life, call your local emergency number now. In Nepal, call 1166.