Anxiety can take up a lot of energy. Finding support may feel like one more difficult task, especially when you are tired or unsure what to ask for. You do not have to find the right label for your experience before asking for help. This guide brings together public health information, practical reading and routes to support in Ireland. Choose one starting point; you do not have to read everything today.
Start with trusted Irish guidance
- HSE: anxiety explains common experiences and ways to seek support.
- HSE: social anxiety is more specific if fear of judgement or social situations is central.
- HSE Balancing Stress offers a free self-help programme.
You can also speak with a GP about what is happening, especially if anxiety is persistent, worsening or disrupting daily life. A GP can help you think through suitable support and whether a health concern also needs attention.
If finding the words is difficult, you could say or write: “I have been feeling anxious and it is affecting my daily life. Could we talk about what support might help?” You can bring a short note or ask someone you trust to help you prepare.
When a broader check may help
Anxiety can affect the body, but similar symptoms can have other explanations, including thyroid or heart problems, or the effects of medicines, alcohol or other drugs. A GP can help work out what needs attention. Tell them about new or changing symptoms and any recent changes in medicines or substance use. Medication options and changes need to be discussed with a qualified prescriber.
Anxiety can also occur alongside depression, OCD or trauma-related difficulties. You do not have to work out the right label yourself. Mention anything else that is making life harder, so support can fit the whole picture.
Further information: MedlinePlus: how panic is assessed; Mayo Clinic: anxiety and other health factors; NICE assessment guidance.
Read about the pattern you are experiencing
For a broad starting point, use the anxiety resource library. You can explore social anxiety and shyness, a self-help guide, or a guide to panic attacks. If you want something shorter to keep nearby, the printable panic-attack plan starts with safety and a few optional steps. These pages are educational; they cannot tell you whether you have a particular condition.
When anxiety affects sleep
Worry and poor sleep can reinforce one another. If sleep difficulties persist or affect your daytime life, speak with a GP or qualified professional; there may be other health factors to consider. The HSE sleep guidance is a practical starting point. For chronic insomnia, structured cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has guideline support from the American College of Physicians and American Academy of Sleep Medicine and differs from general sleep-hygiene tips. Medication options need to be discussed with a qualified prescriber.
Find support that fits your situation
If cost is a concern, begin with the guide to free and low-cost counselling in Ireland. If you are considering private psychotherapy or counselling, read about anxiety therapy in Dublin and online across Ireland or view appointment options. There is no need to choose a private service to use the information on this page.
If you need urgent help
Emergency help: for a possible medical emergency, such as severe breathing difficulty or new chest pain that feels heavy or spreads to an arm, back or jaw, call 112 or 999 in Ireland. Do not assume it is anxiety or wait for an exercise to help.
If you cannot keep yourself safe or are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, call 112 or 999 or go to an emergency department.
Urgent support: if you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, contact your GP, out-of-hours GP or mental-health team promptly, even without immediate danger. You can ask someone you trust to help you make contact.
Someone to talk to: Samaritans 116 123, or text HELLO to 50808 for Text About It. Both are free and available 24 hours a day in Ireland. They do not replace emergency medical help. Outside Ireland, use your local emergency service or crisis support.
See HSE urgent-help guidance for further support and HSE chest-pain guidance and NHS breathing-difficulty guidance for more about physical warning signs.
About this page: sources checked 2 October 2026 against the HSE, NHS, MedlinePlus, Mayo Clinic, NICE and insomnia guidance linked above. It offers general information, not diagnosis, crisis care or individual medical advice. Website links and service availability can change; check the linked provider directly.