Agoraphobia is characterised by the fear of being in situations where one might experience anxiety or panic, with the concern that escaping could be difficult or embarrassing. While this fear often involves public places like shopping centres, public transportation, or open spaces, the anxiety typically revolves around the possibility of having a panic attack. Learn more about understanding and overcoming agoraphobia.

GAD involves the persistent and excessive experience of anxiety or worry, not necessarily about anything specific, that the individual finds difficult to manage or control. The individual's worries relate not just to specific stressful situations, but they may also relate to several aspects of everyday life, including work, health, family, relationships or financial issues. GAD can feel like a constant state of dread with little respite from the anxious state.

Health anxiety refers to an ongoing fear or obsession with having or developing a serious illness, despite little or no physical evidence. Harmless physical symptoms may be misinterpreted as signs of severe medical conditions. Individuals with health anxiety often engage in excessive self-examination and self-diagnosis. Learn more about health anxiety, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment.

In OCD, obsessions encompass unwelcome, recurring, and persistent thoughts or desires that the individual attempts to manage but finds exceedingly challenging to eradicate. These constant thoughts often lead to notable anxiety or distress. Conversely, compulsions are irresistible urges compelling the individual to engage in repetitive actions or rituals, all in an effort to alleviate their anxiety. For example, an individual preoccupied with the fear of infection may compulsively wash their hands or clean their surroundings excessively. Discover more about understanding and overcoming OCD.

Panic attacks are unexpected surges of intense fear or discomfort that reach a peak within minutes, often accompanied by physical or cognitive symptoms. The panic attack may or may not occur for an apparent reason. Sometimes, people experiencing a panic attack think they are having a heart attack or dying. Panic disorder is the term used to describe recurrent panic attacks or persistent fears of having one for more than a month, or behavioural changes due to these experiences. Learn more about understanding and overcoming panic attacks and panic disorder.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced an extremely traumatic event that threatened their life or the safety of others around them. In this condition, the individual often re-experiences the traumatic event through intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks. These episodes are commonly accompanied by heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, and a strong urge to avoid reminders of the event. As a result, individuals may feel intense fear, helplessness, or horror. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Discover more about understanding and overcoming PTSD.

Social anxiety involves intense fear or anxiety related to specific social interactions or situations where one might be observed or expected to speak. Common triggers include meeting new people, eating or drinking in public, or public speaking. The fear often stems from concerns about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected, leading to avoidance of these situations. This avoidance can limit the individual's social and professional life. Learn more about understanding and overcoming social anxiety.

Specific phobias are characterised by significant fear or anxiety related to specific objects or situations, such as spiders, heights, or flying. The fear is disproportionate to the actual threat posed and typically leads to immediate anxiety or avoidance of the feared situation. Learn more about understanding and overcoming specific phobias.