Anxiety disorder is a term that covers several types of problem. General anxiety disorder, which is quite common, is a constant, nagging feeling that something is wrong, which seems to have no obvious cause. Other types include obsessive-compulsive disorder, where you feel the need to keep checking things or carry out certain ritual actions, and phobias, including social phobia where you feel afraid to interact with people.

There is a lot you can do to help yourself with anxiety disorders. Even trying to reorganize your life so you feel more in control, gradually taking small steps to face things you are afraid of, or just sitting and breathing deeply can all help. Many people also take yoga or meditation classes to help them relax.

Professional treatment includes cognitive behaviour therapy, where you gradually learn to change your reactions to stressful situations, and exposure therapy, where you are helped slowly to do things that you find frightening.

Please click here for useful information on all the main anxiety disorders, including how you can help yourself and where or when to seek professional help.