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Do you have constant worry or anxiety? Have you been feeling this for a long time? You may be suffering from persistent anxiety, which is a form of anxiety disorder. Here we explain what it means and how to get help with treatment.

What is constant anxiety?

Constant anxiety is a feeling of persistent worry, fear or nervousness that does not subside and may be present without a clear cause. It can negatively affect a person’s daily life, relationships and work.

Unlike momentary anxiety, which can occur in the face of a specific event or challenge and then pass, constant anxiety is characterized by a constant or recurring fear. Constant anxiety forms part of various anxiety disorders and can be helped in therapy.

In this article, we will provide more information on constant anxiety, common questions and answers, and advice from our psychologists.

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Is constant anxiety a diagnosis?

Constant anxiety is not a specific diagnosis, but rather a symptom or description of an experience that can form part of various forms of anxiety problems. When anxiety is constant and affects a person’s daily functioning, it may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. There are several diagnoses where constant anxiety can be a key symptom, including:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Characterised by chronic and excessive worry about many different things.
  • Panic disorder: Involves recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden waves of intense fear or discomfort.
  • Social phobia: A strong fear of social or performance situations, where the person fears being judged or being the centre of attention.
  • Specific phobias: Intense and irrational fear of specific objects, situations or activities.

What are the symptoms of constant anxiety?

Those who suffer from constant anxiety may feel anxious and very fearful about everyday events or situations. This is often accompanied by a feeling of restlessness, making it difficult to relax.


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People may also feel constantly tired, partly due to the focus that anxiety brings. They may have difficulty concentrating, feel irritable for no apparent reason, and experience muscle tension leading to physical discomfort or pain. Sleep problems are also common, including difficulty falling asleep, sleeping through the night, or waking up early in the morning.

People with constant anxiety may also experience:

  • Panic attacks: Defined as sudden intense waves of fear or discomfort.
  • Avoidance of certain situations or activities in an attempt to reduce anxiety.
  • Difficulty managing daily tasks and responsibilities due to anxiety.

Constant worry and the effects on the body

Physical symptoms are common in anxiety disorders and can cause the sufferer to worry. Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, stomach problems, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, sweating, fatigue, and sleep problems, can occur. These symptoms can increase anxiety and create a vicious cycle. Effective treatment addresses both mental and physical aspects of anxiety and helps break anxiety behaviours. At Lavendla, we make the difficult easier. Contact one of our psychologists or therapists today.


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Can constant anxiety be treated?

Anxiety disorders can be treated, and your health can improve. The recommended treatment for anxiety problems is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which involves an individualized analysis of problem situations and thought patterns. During CBT you will discuss feelings, thoughts and behaviours related to the anxiety. You will also what behaviour changes and thought patterns you must focus on to reduce suffering and improve quality of life. Another treatment for anxiety disorders is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on your values and how to live by them.

Treatment of mild to moderate anxiety is usually done in primary care, while more severe problems, where you are often more limited in your functioning, are treated at a specialist level. Treatment in primary care can last between about 4-10 sessions, and at Lavendla, we have several psychologists and qualified therapists who can help.


12 FAQs about Constant Anxiety

What is constant anxiety?

Constant anxiety is a feeling of persistent worry, fear or nervousness that does not ease over time.

Is constant anxiety a diagnosis?

Constant anxiety forms part of other anxiety disorders such as GAD, social anxiety or health anxiety. These disorders are classified into severity levels, including mild, moderate, and severe. A professional therapist always thoroughly assesses to determine which treatment will be best.

What are the symptoms of constant anxiety?

Anxiety can involve excessive worry about any number of things, tiredness, restlessness, panic attacks and avoiding certain triggers. The symptoms can be linked to social anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), stress issues and sleep problems. A thorough assessment of the symptoms is important.

Can constant anxiety be treated?

Any of the anxiety disorders can be treated.

I have trouble sleeping, is it constant anxiety?

Worry can, in some instances, lead to the development of sleep problems. If these problems continue long enough, you may develop insomnia, which is the clinical definition of sleep problems.

How is constant anxiety treated?

Constant anxiety is treated with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and medication if necessary,

Can exercise affect anxiety problems?

Exercise can help manage anxiety, but you will also need psychological treatment.

I worry about everything, why do I do that?

You may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). There is help available for GAD.

Why do I constantly feel worried?

Worry and various physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, tension and dizziness are common in anxiety problems. This can be helped in therapy.

I feel exhausted, is it anxiety?

Feeling tired can be part of an underlying anxiety disorder because you may be stressed and have not had enough rest over a long period. If you have fatigue syndrome symptoms, you should first be assessed by a doctor and then seek psychological help.

Where can I turn if I need help?

Through our website, you can book an initial session with a therapist or psychologist to describe your problems and plan a treatment. We will help you make the hard things easier.

Step-by-step treatment for constant anxiety

Here is a summary of how constant anxiety could be treated using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). There is help available, and this gives you an idea of the steps you may take in therapy:

  1. Assessment of symptoms: The first step is for a psychologist or qualified therapist to help you evaluate your situation and history. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
  2. Psychoeducation and objectives: You will learn about your anxiety and how it affects you both physically and psychologically. They work on analyzing situations and setting goals for treatment.
  3. Tools for changing behaviours and patterns: You will work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your constant anxiety. Together with your therapist, you can work with different tools to overcome constant anxiety. You will be given homework to practice between sessions.
  4. Follow-up and evaluation progress: Your psychologist will support you throughout the process. At the end of treatment, you will receive a plan to continue practising and to maintain your progress over time.

Feel free to book a first session with one of our psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.


Written by Samantha Pieterse

Sr. Samantha Pieterse is a registered psychiatric nurse who is deeply committed to mental health and well-being. Samantha brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role as an editor for Lavendla South Africa. She has worked in Government and Private mental healthcare institutions in Gauteng and her expertise ensures that the articles on our website are accurate and accessible. Samantha is dedicated to enhancing mental health awareness and education in South Africa.