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Anxiety, worry and overthinking
If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Your brain can be trying to protect you while simultaneously making your Tuesday absolutely exhausting.
What anxiety can feel like
It may be obvious fear or panic, but it can also look like constant “what if?” thinking, avoiding situations, repeatedly checking things, tension, poor sleep, difficulty concentrating or feeling permanently on edge.
Worry versus a problem you can act on
A practical question can help: “Is there something useful I can do about this today?” If yes, define the smallest action. If no, repeatedly running the same scenario through your head rarely creates new information.
When it needs more than self-help
If anxiety is persistent, difficult to control, causing significant distress or changing what you can do in daily life, seek professional support. NHS services and talking therapies can help with common anxiety problems.
Keep going
Sources & further reading
- NHS — feelings and symptoms
- NHS Every Mind Matters — mental health issues
- NICE NG222 — depression in adults: treatment and management
Clinical information should be reviewed periodically against current NHS/NICE guidance. This content is educational and is not a diagnosis.