Anxiety Symptoms: How to Tell Normal Worry From an Anxiety Problem
Anxiety symptoms include constant worry that is hard to switch off, restlessness, feeling on edge, trouble sleeping, muscle tension, a racing heart and difficulty concentrating. Everyone worries sometimes. It becomes an anxiety problem when it is out of proportion to what is happening, lasts for weeks or months, and starts to affect your sleep, work, studies or relationships. Anxiety is common and very treatable.
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Emotional and Mental Symptoms of Anxiety
Persistent worry about many things, a feeling that something bad is about to happen, feeling tense or on edge, difficulty concentrating or your mind going blank, irritability, constant overthinking, and being unable to relax. Many people also avoid situations that make them anxious, which keeps the anxiety going.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
A fast or pounding heartbeat, tight chest, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, dizziness, headaches, stomach upset or nausea, tight muscles, tiredness and trouble falling or staying asleep. Because these feel physical, many people first see a doctor. It is sensible to rule out medical causes, then look at anxiety if tests are normal.
Anxiety Symptoms in Urdu
In Urdu, people describe anxiety as بے چینی (bechaini), گھبراہٹ (ghabrahat), ڈر اور فکر (dar aur fikr), and "dil ka tez dhadakna". Anxiety is often described through the body, such as heaviness in the chest, a burning stomach or constant tiredness, rather than as "worry". If this sounds like you, it is worth taking seriously.
Anxiety Symptoms in Women
Women are diagnosed with anxiety more often. Symptoms can be tied to responsibilities at home and work, family pressure, relationships, pregnancy and the postnatal period, and hormonal changes. Irritability, sleep problems, physical tension and overthinking are common and are often put down to "stress" for years.
When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder
Clinicians think of an anxiety disorder when worry is difficult to control, happens on most days for several weeks or months, and brings symptoms such as restlessness, tiredness, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension or sleep problems. Types include generalised anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias. A short anxiety self-check can help you decide whether to speak to someone.
What Helps
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the best-studied treatment for anxiety. It teaches you to understand the worry cycle, face avoided situations gradually and calm your body. See our anxiety treatment page and our guide to how to stop overthinking. We are psychologists and do not prescribe medication. If a medical opinion would help, we will say so and work alongside your doctor or psychiatrist.
Where to Get Help in Pakistan
The Meeting Matters is a psychology practice in Islamabad, working since 2010. Sessions are by secure video from anywhere in Pakistan, or in person at our F-11/1 clinic in Islamabad, in Urdu, Punjabi or English, with evening and weekend slots. You can also see our page on online psychologists in Pakistan. Message us on WhatsApp with what you are dealing with and a time that suits you. We usually reply within about 30 minutes and will suggest a suitable therapist. We are not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital.
Meet Therapists Who Can Help
Muhammad Naushad Anjum
Founder & Lead Psychologist — Couples, Marriage & Relationship Counselling
Tasmia Asghar
Clinical Psychologist, CBT, DBT & NLP Therapist
Ayesha Tariq
Clinical Psychologist — Relationship, Couples & Marriage Counselor
What Our Clients Say
“I had a really great experience at Meeting Matters Clinic in F-11. The therapists here are highly professional aur unka ravaiya bohat supportive hai. It’s not easy to find a safe space for mental health, but yahan ka mahol bohat pur-sakoon aur welcoming hai. They genuinely listen to your problems without any judgment. Highly recommended for anyone looking for good counseling in Islamabad.”
Subhan A. · Google Review
“I am truly grateful to Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and the team at Meeting Matters. I reached out during one of the most difficult periods of my life while dealing with grief and trying to be the best parent I could be for my children. Ms. Tasmiya's kindness, empathy, and guidance helped me navigate emotions that often felt overwhelming. She helped me understand my feelings, regain perspective, and think through practical ways of supporting my children and myself. I always felt respected, heard, and comfortable during our sessions. I would wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Tasmiya Asghar and Meeting Matters to anyone going through a challenging time and looking for professional support in a compassionate environment.”
Hashir K. · Google Review
“Have noticed alot of changes within myself because of the sessions I've had. My therapist is extremely kind and helpful. I've never once felt uncomfortable feeling like I'm talking to a stranger. My Dr has made me feel as if she's my own and has helped me a lot.”
Shagufta K. · Google Review
15+ Years of Experience You Can Trust
The Meeting Matters has been providing professional counseling, therapy and training since 2010 — over fifteen years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples and families across Pakistan and around the world. Our psychologists are trained in evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy, delivered through confidential online counseling and online therapy as well as in-person sessions at our Islamabad clinic.
Explore Our Full Range of Services
Alongside specialist support for this concern, you have access to our full range of services — the same experienced team, available online or in person:
Individual Therapy
One-to-one online counseling and therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and personal growth.
Couples Counseling
Online relationship counseling for communication, conflict and rebuilding trust.
Marriage Counseling
Online marriage counseling for couples working through distress or disconnection.
Premarital Counseling
Guided conversations before marriage, available online.
Family Therapy
Family counseling for communication, parenting and conflict resolution.
Child Psychology
Child and adolescent therapy with parent guidance.
Online Therapy
Secure online therapy sessions from anywhere.
Corporate Mental Health Workshops
Workplace wellbeing programs for organisations.
Career Counseling
Support for career transitions and workplace stress.
Key Benefits
- Qualified psychologists and therapists
- Online anywhere in Pakistan
- Clinic in F-11/1, Islamabad
- Sessions in Urdu, Punjabi or English
- Evening and weekend slots
- Rated 4.7 on Google (424 reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Take the first step toward better mental health. Our compassionate team is here to support you.