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Family Library · Topic guide

Anxiety and panic: understanding what is happening

Anxiety involves worry or fear with possible physical symptoms. Panic describes a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort.

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When worry starts limiting life

Nervousness sometimes is common. Seek support when worry or avoidance disrupts everyday life or you find it difficult to cope.

What can contribute?

Work pressure, financial strain, illness, caring responsibilities and difficult experiences can contribute. Physical sensations have several possible causes.

Choose one manageable step

Talk with someone you trust, keep regular meals and try a calming breathing exercise. Set manageable goals.

For panic disorder, cognitive behavioural therapy is an established psychological treatment. A clinician can discuss whether it fits your situation.

When to seek medical help

Arrange support if anxiety limits your life or your own efforts are not helping.

Severe chest pressure, pain spreading to an arm or jaw, or severe breathing difficulty needs emergency assessment. Do not assume these symptoms are panic.

In India, call 112 for emergency help.

Other family topics

Memory changes: a starting point for families · Sleep difficulties: help for you and your family · Support for the person doing the caring · Low mood, connection and staying safe

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Common questions

Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?

Yes. It can affect heartbeat, breathing and digestion. A new or severe symptom still needs appropriate medical assessment.

Does one frightening episode tell me what diagnosis I have?

No. This page cannot establish a diagnosis. Seek an assessment if episodes recur or fear begins restricting your life.

Can talking therapy help with panic?

Yes. Cognitive behavioural therapy is a recommended psychological treatment for panic disorder; discuss suitable options with a clinician.

Can I safely assume chest pain is panic?

No. Severe pressure, spreading chest pain or severe breathing difficulty needs emergency help, even if you have had anxiety before. Call 112 in India.

What is one thing I can try when anxiety rises?

Try a gentle calming-breathing exercise or talk with someone you trust. Seek help if coping is difficult.

Something practical

Try a two-minute grounding pause · Keep a private sleep diary

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