What Is Anxiety? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health struggles—and yet, it can feel so isolating when you're in it. If you've ever felt your heart race for no reason, struggled to sleep because your mind won't stop spiraling, or avoided things that used to feel easy, you're not alone.
Anxiety isn't just "worrying too much." It's a whole-body experience that can impact your mood, your sleep, your relationships, and your sense of control. The good news? It’s treatable, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Let’s break down what anxiety really is, how it can show up, and when to consider reaching out for support.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is your brain and body’s natural response to perceived danger or stress. It’s designed to protect you—to keep you alert and ready to respond. It is a completely normal part of our being and without it we would have a hard time living and surviving. But sometimes that system gets stuck in overdrive, responding to everyday events like they’re life-threatening.
Think of it like your smoke alarm going off when you make toast. Nothing's really on fire, but your brain doesn’t know that. This is when anxiety is now out of control and fight or flight is taking control instead of you being the one in control.
Anxiety helps us get tasks done. this is what makes us get out of bed, eat food, study for that exam, put clothing on, take a shower, etc. We need anxiety but we never need out of control anxiety.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can show up differently for everyone, but here are some of the most common symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
Racing heart or shortness of breath
Stomachaches, nausea, or GI issues
Headaches or muscle tension
Fatigue or restlessness
Emotional symptoms:
Excessive worry or dread
Irritability or feeling on edge
Feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated
Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Behavioral symptoms:
Avoiding people, places, or responsibilities
Needing constant reassurance
Difficulty sleeping or waking up feeling unrested
Overworking or perfectionism to feel "in control"
You don’t need to have all of these to be struggling with anxiety. Even just a few can make daily life feel heavy.
Types of Anxiety
There are different forms of anxiety, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – chronic worry about everyday things
Social Anxiety – intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings
Panic Disorder – sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms
Phobias – specific fears (e.g. flying, heights, spiders)
Health Anxiety – excessive worry about your health or physical symptoms
Perinatal/Postpartum Anxiety – anxiety that occurs during or after pregnancy
When to Seek Help
So how do you know when it’s time to talk to someone?
Here are a few signs:
Anxiety is interfering with your work, school, or relationships
You’re avoiding things you used to enjoy or manage with ease
You feel exhausted from trying to manage it alone
Your coping strategies (scrolling, numbing, avoiding) aren't helping
You don’t need to wait until you're falling apart. Therapy can help you understand your anxiety, learn tools to manage it, and get back to feeling like yourself.
You’re Not Broken—Your Brain Is Trying to Protect You
Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re weak, dramatic, or broken. It means your nervous system is doing its job—just a little too well. With the right support, you can retrain your brain and body to respond with calm instead of fear.
You're not alone, and you don't have to keep white-knuckling your way through. There is help, and there is hope.
Want support for anxiety that actually works? Let’s talk.
📞 Call: 630-945-5793
📧 Email: lmurray@thewellthinking.com
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