Anxiety is difficult to define precisely and means different things to different people. Some definitions of anxiety describe the fear of a specific event, place or situation while others are more general and describe an uneasy feeling of which the source is unknown.

We all experience a sense of stress or fear at some stage but it is when it becomes more persistent or constant that it is regarded as anxiety. Where the fear is in response to a real danger it is appropriate when there is no danger and the fear persists for unknown reasons, it is regarded as anxiety.

This section does not cover phobias - in fact phobias (a fear of a specific situation) should be regarded as psychological conditions and treated accordingly.

Panic attacks are often an integral part of anxiety but you do not need to have panic attacks to suffer from anxiety.

General anxiety (known as: Generalized Anxiety Disorder)  is often caused by elevated lactate levels in the blood. this can be addressed by taking herbal and other remedies but if you are already taking medicine (prescribed or other) do not take any other substances without consulting your doctor. If you suffer from prolonged anxiety and have not consulted a doctor we suggest you do so urgently.