Find clear answers to some common questions about anxiety. Learn what it feels like, what causes it, and how to manage symptoms with proven strategies and support.
Anxiety symptoms can look different for everyone. You may feel worried, restless, tense, and often think about worst-case scenarios even when things seem to be going well. You can also experience physical symptoms like difficulty sleeping, stomach and chest pains, sweating, and muscle tension.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned for weeks or months, talking to a health professional can help identify the underlying issue and the treatment to take.
When your anxiety suddenly feels uncontrollable, pausing for a moment and focusing on something else, like your breathing, can help. Try inhaling slowly through your nose for four seconds, then hold your breath for three, and exhale slowly for six. You can repeat this exercise until you find yourself in a calmer state.
If you find yourself still unable to control the intensity of your emotions, reach out to a friend who can accompany you or a local support group. If you can, it’s also best to contact your healthcare provider, as some medical conditions can mimic the symptoms of anxiety. A checkup can help rule out any underlying issues.
The short answer is no. While it’s normal to feel anxious in certain situations, such as before a big event, during an unfamiliar situation, or when facing uncertainty, it is not normal to feel anxious all the time. But if you do, especially without a clear reason, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
This doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It could be your mind and body protecting you from experiencing any further trauma. Consulting your doctor about this can help pinpoint the issue and the next steps to take.
Any stressful situation can trigger anxiety, be it about finances, work, studies, your relationship with your family and friends, or uncertainties in your future. For some people, it's a combination of smaller stressors that build up over time.
What’s important to remember is that anxiety is a normal human emotion, and we’re bound to feel anxious, especially about things we care about. What matters most is how we respond to it. Rather than trying to avoid it, facing it gradually with support can help you regain a sense of control.
It may seem counterintuitive, but accepting what you’re feeling without judging it is a good first step. Anxiety is uncomfortable, but it’s not dangerous. Let yourself notice the feeling and then try some grounding or calming strategies.
One helpful breathing exercise is to inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 3 seconds, and exhale for 6. As you repeat this, allow your shoulders and jaw to relax.
Yes, anxiety is very treatable. Many people see significant improvement with the right approach. For some, that means working with a therapist to explore thought patterns or develop coping tools. Others may benefit from medication or a mix of both.
Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, regular movement, and limiting caffeine or alcohol can also play an important role.
Everyone’s path to feeling better is a little different, so the key is finding what works best for you with the help of a qualified professional.
If anxiety feels too intense to manage on your own or you’re experiencing panic attacks, it’s important to get support as soon as you can. Panic attacks can be frightening, but they’re not harmful, and there are effective treatments to reduce how often they happen and how strongly they affect you.
In some cases, there’s a possibility that your anxiety is caused or worsened by physical health issues, such as thyroid imbalances, heart conditions, or hormonal shifts. A medical checkup can help rule out those factors and guide you toward the right kind of treatment, whether physical, psychological, or both.
Yes, it's completely normal to have worries about the future. Most people do. These “what if” thoughts are part of how our brain tries to keep us safe. But if those worries become constant, and they start affecting your sleep, mood, or ability to concentrate, they may be part of an anxiety disorder.
Yes, avoidance is a common response to anxiety. If something makes you feel anxious, it’s natural to want to stay away from it. But over time, this pattern can actually make anxiety worse. Avoiding situations doesn’t resolve the fear. It often reinforces it, which can shrink your comfort zone and make things feel harder to face.
Working with a therapist can help you take small, manageable steps to gently reintroduce the situations you're avoiding. Over time, this can reduce anxiety and help you feel more confident and in control.
It’s completely okay to feel unsure about where to begin. Reaching out can feel vulnerable, but it’s often the most important step. You might start by talking to someone you trust, like a friend, partner, or family member, just to share what you’re experiencing.
If you’re ready, a primary care provider or mental health professional can help you explore next steps, whether that’s therapy, a support group, or other treatment options. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. There are people who care and want to help.
