What anxiety feels like
Anxiety is more than feeling stressed before a big day. When it sticks around, it can mean constant worry that's hard to switch off, a tight chest or racing heart, trouble sleeping, irritability, and a sense of dread without a clear reason.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, and among the most treatable.
About this self-check
The seven questions are the GAD-7, a screener used by doctors and therapists around the world. It measures how much anxiety symptoms have bothered you over the last two weeks, not whether you have a specific disorder.
Your answers stay in your browser. Saycalm doesn't see or store them, and only sends them anywhere if you ask us to email you your results.
The questions
Each one asks how often you've been bothered by it over the last 2 weeks, from "Not at all" to "Nearly every day".
- Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge
- Not being able to stop or control worrying
- Worrying too much about different things
- Trouble relaxing
- Being so restless that it is hard to sit still
- Becoming easily annoyed or irritable
- Feeling afraid, as if something awful might happen
Common questions
Does a high score mean I have an anxiety disorder?
Not on its own. A score of 10 or more is the point where clinicians usually take a closer look. A diagnosis comes from a clinician, who will ask how long this has been going on, what triggers it, and how it affects your life.
What kinds of anxiety does this cover?
The GAD-7 was built for generalized anxiety, but it also picks up symptoms common to panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD. A clinician can help work out which, if any, fits.
What helps with anxiety?
Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is one of the most effective treatments. Medication helps many people too, alone or with therapy. Regular sleep, exercise, and less caffeine and alcohol can make a real difference.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute. Used for screening only; not a diagnosis.
