Understanding
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Understanding
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Understanding
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can significantly impact your daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
What does Anxiety feel like?
Living with anxiety often feels like your mind is constantly racing, jumping from one worry to the next without relief. You might find yourself anticipating the worst-case scenario in everyday situations, struggling to concentrate on tasks, or feeling restless and on edge.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany these mental experiences - your heart might pound, palms sweat, or you may feel short of breath even when there's no immediate danger. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle of worry that affects their sleep, work performance, and relationships, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger their anxiety.
Common Symptoms
Excessive worry about future events
Restlessness and feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Rapid heartbeat and sweating
Muscle tension and fatigue
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations
Panic attacks with intense fear
What does Anxiety feel like?
Living with anxiety often feels like your mind is constantly racing, jumping from one worry to the next without relief. You might find yourself anticipating the worst-case scenario in everyday situations, struggling to concentrate on tasks, or feeling restless and on edge.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany these mental experiences - your heart might pound, palms sweat, or you may feel short of breath even when there's no immediate danger. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle of worry that affects their sleep, work performance, and relationships, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger their anxiety.
Common Symptoms
Excessive worry about future events
Restlessness and feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Rapid heartbeat and sweating
Muscle tension and fatigue
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations
Panic attacks with intense fear
What does Anxiety feel like?
Living with anxiety often feels like your mind is constantly racing, jumping from one worry to the next without relief. You might find yourself anticipating the worst-case scenario in everyday situations, struggling to concentrate on tasks, or feeling restless and on edge.
Physical symptoms frequently accompany these mental experiences - your heart might pound, palms sweat, or you may feel short of breath even when there's no immediate danger. Many people describe feeling trapped in a cycle of worry that affects their sleep, work performance, and relationships, leading to avoidance of situations that trigger their anxiety.
Common Symptoms
Excessive worry about future events
Restlessness and feeling on edge
Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
Rapid heartbeat and sweating
Muscle tension and fatigue
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations
Panic attacks with intense fear
History of Anxiety
Understanding anxiety has evolved dramatically throughout medical history, from ancient philosophical concepts to modern neuroscientific insights.
1860s
German physician Carl Westphal provided the first clinical descriptions of panic disorder and agoraphobia, marking the beginning of modern anxiety research.
1950s
The development of the first anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) and formal psychiatric classification systems established anxiety as a legitimate medical condition.
1980s
Cognitive-behavioral therapy emerged as a highly effective treatment, shifting focus from purely medical to psychological approaches for anxiety management.
Present
Advanced neuroimaging and genetic research provide deep insights into anxiety mechanisms, enabling personalized treatment approaches combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions.
History of Anxiety
Understanding anxiety has evolved dramatically throughout medical history, from ancient philosophical concepts to modern neuroscientific insights.
1860s
German physician Carl Westphal provided the first clinical descriptions of panic disorder and agoraphobia, marking the beginning of modern anxiety research.
1950s
The development of the first anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) and formal psychiatric classification systems established anxiety as a legitimate medical condition.
1980s
Cognitive-behavioral therapy emerged as a highly effective treatment, shifting focus from purely medical to psychological approaches for anxiety management.
Present
Advanced neuroimaging and genetic research provide deep insights into anxiety mechanisms, enabling personalized treatment approaches combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions.
History of Anxiety
Understanding anxiety has evolved dramatically throughout medical history, from ancient philosophical concepts to modern neuroscientific insights.
1860s
German physician Carl Westphal provided the first clinical descriptions of panic disorder and agoraphobia, marking the beginning of modern anxiety research.
1950s
The development of the first anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) and formal psychiatric classification systems established anxiety as a legitimate medical condition.
1980s
Cognitive-behavioral therapy emerged as a highly effective treatment, shifting focus from purely medical to psychological approaches for anxiety management.
Present
Advanced neuroimaging and genetic research provide deep insights into anxiety mechanisms, enabling personalized treatment approaches combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle interventions.
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer based on the last 2 weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test screens for stress over the last 2 weeks. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have proven highly effective for treating anxiety disorders. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify and challenge anxious thought patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and gradually face feared situations in a safe, supportive environment.
Therapists also integrate mindfulness techniques, exposure therapy, and relaxation training to provide comprehensive anxiety management tools that create lasting change.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn evidence-based coping and relaxation techniques
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns
Develop emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
Build confidence through gradual exposure to feared situations
Improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Enhance communication skills and relationship quality
Create personalised anxiety management strategies
Develop long-term resilience and relapse prevention skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about anxiety and treatment
How do I know if my anxiety is severe enough to need professional help?
If anxiety interferes with your daily activities, work, relationships, or causes significant distress for more than a few weeks, professional support is recommended. Signs include persistent worry, panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, or physical symptoms that impact your functioning.
What's the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?
Normal stress is temporary and proportionate to actual threats or challenges. Anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent worry that's difficult to control and disproportionate to the situation, significantly impacting daily life even when there's no immediate danger.
How long does anxiety therapy typically take to work?
Many people notice improvements within 6-8 sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 12-16 weeks of consistent therapy. However, treatment length varies based on individual needs, severity, and personal goals.
Can anxiety be cured completely?
While anxiety disorders are typically chronic conditions, they are highly treatable. Most people learn to manage their anxiety effectively through therapy, developing skills that significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have proven highly effective for treating anxiety disorders. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify and challenge anxious thought patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and gradually face feared situations in a safe, supportive environment.
Therapists also integrate mindfulness techniques, exposure therapy, and relaxation training to provide comprehensive anxiety management tools that create lasting change.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn evidence-based coping and relaxation techniques
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns
Develop emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
Build confidence through gradual exposure to feared situations
Improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Enhance communication skills and relationship quality
Create personalised anxiety management strategies
Develop long-term resilience and relapse prevention skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about anxiety and treatment
How do I know if my anxiety is severe enough to need professional help?
If anxiety interferes with your daily activities, work, relationships, or causes significant distress for more than a few weeks, professional support is recommended. Signs include persistent worry, panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, or physical symptoms that impact your functioning.
What's the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?
Normal stress is temporary and proportionate to actual threats or challenges. Anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent worry that's difficult to control and disproportionate to the situation, significantly impacting daily life even when there's no immediate danger.
How long does anxiety therapy typically take to work?
Many people notice improvements within 6-8 sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 12-16 weeks of consistent therapy. However, treatment length varies based on individual needs, severity, and personal goals.
Can anxiety be cured completely?
While anxiety disorders are typically chronic conditions, they are highly treatable. Most people learn to manage their anxiety effectively through therapy, developing skills that significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
How therapy can help
Evidence-based therapy approaches, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have proven highly effective for treating anxiety disorders. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify and challenge anxious thought patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and gradually face feared situations in a safe, supportive environment.
Therapists also integrate mindfulness techniques, exposure therapy, and relaxation training to provide comprehensive anxiety management tools that create lasting change.
Benefits of Therapy
Learn evidence-based coping and relaxation techniques
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns
Develop emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
Build confidence through gradual exposure to feared situations
Improve problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Enhance communication skills and relationship quality
Create personalised anxiety management strategies
Develop long-term resilience and relapse prevention skills
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about anxiety and treatment
How do I know if my anxiety is severe enough to need professional help?
If anxiety interferes with your daily activities, work, relationships, or causes significant distress for more than a few weeks, professional support is recommended. Signs include persistent worry, panic attacks, avoidance behaviors, or physical symptoms that impact your functioning.
What's the difference between normal stress and an anxiety disorder?
Normal stress is temporary and proportionate to actual threats or challenges. Anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent worry that's difficult to control and disproportionate to the situation, significantly impacting daily life even when there's no immediate danger.
How long does anxiety therapy typically take to work?
Many people notice improvements within 6-8 sessions, with significant progress typically seen within 12-16 weeks of consistent therapy. However, treatment length varies based on individual needs, severity, and personal goals.
Can anxiety be cured completely?
While anxiety disorders are typically chronic conditions, they are highly treatable. Most people learn to manage their anxiety effectively through therapy, developing skills that significantly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Meet our Therapists
Meet our Therapists
Meet our specialists who can help guide your recovery
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
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Adults (18+)
Introducing Andrea Szentgyorgyi, a UKCP-registered integrative psychotherapist with over 1,000 clinical hours. Andrea combines person-centred, solution-focused therapy with advanced techniques including hypnotherapy and EMDR, creating a tailored and flexible approach for each client. With 6 years of experience, she provides a safe and supportive space to explore challenges and promote lasting emotional wellbeing.
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Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we’re proud to introduce Isabella May Leonard (MSc), an experienced person-centred psychotherapist offering therapy for adults. With over 2,500 clinical hours, Isabella brings warmth, compassion, and professional depth to her practice, with experience across private practice, NHS Talking Therapies, and third-sector services. She provides both short- and long-term therapy, creating a safe and reflective space where clients can explore challenges at their own pace.
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)
At Manchester Counselling, we are pleased to introduce Grant Fairlie (MBACP), a counsellor with over 1,900 clinical hours and more than three years of practice. Grant brings a background in drama education and specialist experience supporting neurodiverse adults and adolescents.
More
Adults (18+)
Jayne Tamsett is a BACP accredited counsellor with a BA (Hons) in Counselling & Psychotherapy and over 4,700 clinical hours. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship challenges. Her practice offers an inclusive and compassionate space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported in their personal growth
More
Adults (18+)
Waqas Maqsood is an integrative counsellor and registered member of the BACP with over 600 clinical hours. Holding an MA in Integrative Counselling and a BSc in Neuroscience, he offers a holistic, flexible approach that supports clients with anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
More
Adults (18+)
Victoria is a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist with an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy and more than 1,900 clinical hours of experience. A registered member of the BACP, she supports both individuals and couples, offering a warm, collaborative space to explore relationships, self-worth, anxiety, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
More
Adults (18+)
Couples
Matt is an integrative counsellor holding a Diploma in Integrative Counselling with experience delivering more than 500 clinical sessions. He combines counselling, mindfulness, and meditation techniques to support clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions, helping people build resilience, clarity, and a stronger sense of emotional wellbeing.
More
Adults (18+)