anxiety that comes and goes

Overview

Anxiety that comes and goes is when you feel worried, nervous, or afraid at certain times, but not all the time. These feelings may flare up in stressful situations and settle down when the situation passes. It is a common experience, but when it happens often or intensely, it can affect your daily life.

Yes. Most people feel anxious from time to time. It is one of the most common mental health concerns around the world.

Anxiety can affect anyone, at any age. It may be more common in women and people assigned female at birth, and it often starts in the teens or young adult years. But it can also appear for the first time later in life.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling restless or on edge
• A racing heartbeat or pounding in your chest
• Sweating or trembling
• Feeling weak, tired, or lightheaded
• Trouble concentrating or your mind going blank
• Irritability or feeling snappy
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• A sense of dread or that something bad will happen
• Avoiding places or situations that make you feel anxious

Symptoms in children

• In children, anxiety may show up as clinginess, tantrums, or crying more than usual.
• They might complain of stomachaches or headaches without a clear medical cause.
• They may avoid school, sleepovers, or other activities, and worry a lot about things that seem small to others.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice anxiety as physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or dizziness.
• They may worry more about health, memory, falls, or losing independence.
• Anxiety might also worsen other health conditions, such as heart problems or high blood pressure.

Causes

Main causes

• There is no single cause. It often comes from a mix of your genes, brain chemistry, personality, and life experiences.
• Stressful or traumatic events, such as losing a job, going through a divorce, or being in an accident, can trigger anxiety.
• Some medical conditions, like an overactive thyroid or heart rhythm problems, can cause anxiety symptoms.
• Certain medicines or substances, including caffeine, alcohol, or recreational drugs, can also make anxiety worse.

Risk factors

• Having a family member with anxiety or another mental health condition
• Going through a lot of stress right now, or having had a difficult childhood
• Living with a long-term physical health problem
• Using alcohol or recreational drugs
• Withdrawing from certain medicines or alcohol

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, go to your local emergency department or call your local emergency number right away.
• If your anxiety is so severe that you cannot breathe, have chest pain, or feel like you might pass out, seek emergency care immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If anxiety that comes and goes is starting to affect your work, school, or relationships, make an appointment with a healthcare provider.
• If you are using alcohol or other substances to cope with anxiety, talk to a professional about getting support.

Diagnosis

A doctor or mental health professional will ask you about your symptoms, how often they happen, and how they affect your everyday life. They may also ask about your medical history and any medicines you take. There is no single test for anxiety, but you may have some checks to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Tests that may be done

• A physical exam to check your overall health
• Blood tests to look for thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, or other health issues
• Questionnaires or screening tools about how you have been feeling and thinking

What to expect at your appointment

You can expect a calm, respectful conversation. The provider will listen to your concerns, explain what might be happening, and discuss possible next steps with you. They will not rush you.

Treatment

Treatment for anxiety that comes and goes often involves talking therapies, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medicines. The right approach depends on how often and how strongly your anxiety affects you. Most people find a combination of support that works.

Self-care at home

• Practice slow breathing or other relaxation exercises when you start to feel anxious.
• Move your body regularly, even just a daily walk.
• Cut back on caffeine, alcohol, and energy drinks, which can trigger anxiety.
• Try to keep a regular sleep routine, getting up and going to bed around the same time.
• Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or peer about how you are feeling.
• Learn about anxiety so you understand what is happening in your body.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may suggest a talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps you understand and change anxious thoughts and behaviours. For some people, medicines can also be helpful, but these are always prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist after a full discussion of benefits and risks. It is important not to take any medicine for anxiety without a prescription.

Living with this condition

Living with intermittent anxiety means learning to notice your triggers and having a plan to respond. It can help to keep a simple diary of when you feel anxious, what might have led up to it, and what helped you afterwards. Be kind to yourself on difficult days — anxiety is not a weakness.

Lifestyle tips

• Set a regular sleep routine and try to get enough rest.
• Try mindfulness or guided relaxation to stay grounded.
• Limit caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Break big tasks into small, manageable steps.
• Stay connected with supportive people, even if you need to isolate sometimes.

Diet and exercise

Eating regular, balanced meals and staying active can help steady your mood. A short burst of exercise, like walking or stretching, can reduce anxiety in the moment. Avoid using alcohol or recreational drugs to cope, as these often make anxiety worse over time.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Anxiety can be exhausting and may lead to low mood or depression if it goes on for a long time. It is important to seek help early so you can learn to manage it before it takes over your life.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent anxiety, but you can learn ways to manage stress and reduce how often or how intensely it appears. Regular self-care, staying physically active, and getting enough sleep all help build resilience.

Complications

If left untreated

• Anxiety may become more frequent and start to feel like a constant worry.
• It can lead to depression or make you more likely to rely on alcohol or other substances.
• It can strain relationships, work performance, and your sense of self-worth.
• Over time, chronic anxiety may increase your risk of physical health problems, such as heart disease or digestive issues.

Long-term outlook

With the right support, most people with intermittent anxiety learn to manage their symptoms and lead full, active lives. It can get better, and treatment does help. Reaching out for support is the first positive step.

Find support

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