What anxiety feels like?

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. For example, you may experience anxiety before a job interview or meeting your significant other’s family. This anxiety typically passes once the situation has concluded and your body returns to its pre-anxiety state. People with anxiety disorders may have intense and excessive worry in both everyday and specific situations. Anxiety disorders often involve repeated periods of sudden and intense anxiety, worry, and fear.

Anxiety that becomes problematic may interfere with daily routines, be very difficult to control and be out of proportion to the actual situation. Avoiding places or situations that may be triggered may also interfere with daily life.

Anxiety symptoms include nervousness or tension, feeling a sense of impending danger, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, shaking, feeling fatigued, trouble staying asleep or falling asleep, gastrointestinal symptoms, difficulty controlling the worry, and racing thoughts.

Anxiety may occur in different patterns and circumstances, which help professionals make a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan to address it. Some disorders associated with anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

There are many ways to manage anxiety. Working with a therapist can help you learn strategies and tools to cope and uncover underlying beliefs or experiences that may contribute. Your doctor may recommend medications to support treatment. Lifestyle changes can also be helpful. These include making sure you get enough sleep, exercising regularly, eating well, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, and developing healthy habits like meditation. 

If you feel that your worry occurs too frequently or interferes with your life, you should visit your medical provider. Left unaddressed, long-term anxiety may result in health issues like high blood pressure, risk of cardiac issues, and a lower functioning immune system. Anxiety and worry may not dissipate independently, and a doctor can evaluate your symptoms to rule out underlying physical symptoms. Talk with your doctor or mental health provider about treatment options for anxiety.