# Anxiety: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya

_Anxiety becomes a health problem when worry is hard to control, lasts for weeks and affects sleep, work or relationships. Signs, risk factors..._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/anxiety

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Anxiety becomes a health problem when worry is hard to control, lasts for weeks and affects sleep, work or relationships. It is common and treatable. Common signs include worrying too much about different things, and finding it hard to stop; feeling nervous, on edge or restless; and becoming easily annoyed or irritable.

**GAD-7 score that suggests anxiety worth checking:** 10 or more
_Out of 21. Picks up generalised anxiety disorder in 89% of cases. Spitzer et al., 2006._

**Anxiety: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GAD-7 score 0 to 4: minimal anxiety | The GAD-7 questionnaire (7 questions) | GAD-7 anxiety screening | Mental health screening, KES 100 |

## Anxiety: signs, risks and when to get checked in Kenya: your questions answered

**Q: What is anxiety?**

A: Anxiety becomes a health problem when worry is hard to control, lasts for weeks and affects sleep, work or relationships. It is common and treatable.

**Q: What are the signs of anxiety?**

A: Worrying too much about different things, and finding it hard to stop. Feeling nervous, on edge or restless. Becoming easily annoyed or irritable. Feeling afraid that something awful might happen. Trouble relaxing or sleeping. A racing heart, sweating or a tight chest when anxious.

**Q: Who is most at risk?**

A: Ongoing stress at work, school or home. A family history of anxiety. Difficult or traumatic experiences. Depression, which often comes with anxiety. Too much caffeine, alcohol or drug use.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Chest pain with breathlessness should always be checked by a clinician to rule out a heart problem. If anxiety comes with thoughts of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or Kenya Red Cross on 1199.

**Q: How is anxiety checked?**

A: With the GAD-7 questionnaire (7 questions). GAD-7 score 0 to 4: minimal anxiety.

**Q: What happens after a high-risk result?**

A: A conversation about your GAD-7 score. Talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Medicine where a clinician advises it. Follow-up to see what is helping. A risk result is not a diagnosis.

**Q: What should I ask my doctor?**

A: What does my GAD-7 score mean? Is this anxiety, or could something physical be causing it? Would CBT help me, and where can I get it? What can I do in the moment when anxiety hits?

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Under the Social Health Authority, mental health services are listed among the benefits. Private therapy prices vary.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: The anxiety screening uses the GAD-7, a 7-question tool used worldwide. Your score comes with a clear next step, from self-care to seeing a mental health professional. It costs KES 100. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Spitzer et al., A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7 (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2006)](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/410326)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## More on this condition

- [How to lower your risk of anxiety | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/anxiety/prevention)
- [GAD-7 anxiety: what your score means | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/anxiety/screening)