Anxiety is a natural response, useful in helping people to avoid dangerous situations and motivating us to solve everyday issues. Anxiety can vary in severity from mild uneasiness through to terrifying panic attacks. It can vary in how long it lasts, from a few moments to many years. Anxiety disorder may be caused by environmental factors, medical factors, genetics, brain chemistry, substance abuse or a combination of these.

Indicators of anxiety include:

• Physical effects such as palpitations, chest pain, rapid heart beat and flushing
• Unrealistic and/or excessive fear and worry about past or future events
• Mind racing or going blank
• Difficulty making decisions
• Confusion
• Avoidance of situations
• Distress in social situations
• Urges to escape situations that cause discomfort