Warning signs of mounting anxiety outlined by therapist

A therapist outlines key signs that worry may become a serious anxiety and discusses the strain on mental health care.

Psychotherapist flags warning signs of mounting anxiety

Anxiety is described as the body’s alarm system stuck in the on position without a clear danger, according to psychotherapist Clare Patterson. She lists eight warning signs that worry has moved beyond normal levels, including catastrophising, indecisiveness, constant feeling of being overwhelmed, withdrawal from loved ones, and restlessness. She emphasizes that anxiety is a real physiological response, not simply a mood, and notes that some people experience low level fear or tension that lingers after a stressful event.

The piece also ties personal experiences to the broader system. NHS data show about 8 million Britons live with anxiety, and waits for mental health care can be very long. Because of delays, many people turn to online therapy, mindfulness self help resources, or creative outlets such as making crafts. The report notes that younger people are using crochet and pottery as coping tools, reflecting a search for accessible relief outside traditional care channels.

The analysis shifts focus from personal grit to the gaps in care. Naming signs like catastrophising and withdrawal invites readers to take warning signs seriously while recognizing that access to treatment shapes behavior. It also highlights how gaps in care may drive people toward alternative supports and self help.

The piece hints at political and budget questions by showing how wait lists and funding pressures affect real lives. If readers see care as slow or inaccessible, the public may press for faster pathways, making the topic politically sensitive and potentially shaping policy debates.

Highlights

Care pathways for mental health must keep pace with rising need.