Understanding Anxiety, What It Is and What It Can Feel Like

What it is and what it can feel like

Anxiety is something most of us experience from time to time.

You might feel anxious before an important meeting, when you’re worried about money, waiting for news, dealing with a difficult situation or facing something new.

Sometimes there is an obvious reason for feeling anxious. Sometimes there isn’t.

Understanding what you’re feeling can be a useful first step towards managing it.

WHAT DOES ANXIETY FEEL LIKE?

Anxiety can affect both your mind and your body.

You might notice:

• feeling worried, nervous or on edge
• thinking something bad might happen
• finding it difficult to switch off
• going over the same thoughts again and again
• struggling to concentrate
• feeling irritable or overwhelmed

You may also notice physical feelings such as:

• a faster heartbeat
• sweating or feeling hot
• shaking
• feeling sick or having an unsettled stomach
• feeling dizzy or light-headed
• tense muscles
• changes to your breathing
• difficulty sleeping

Everyone experiences anxiety differently. You may experience only a few of these things.

WHY DOES ANXIETY HAPPEN?

Anxiety is part of the body’s natural response to something it believes could be difficult, threatening or uncertain.

It can make us more alert and ready to respond.

Sometimes this response can happen when there is no immediate danger.

Work, relationships, money, health, caring responsibilities, an accident, a legal problem or uncertainty about the future can all contribute to feelings of anxiety.

Sometimes you might not be able to identify a particular reason at all.

WHAT CAN I DO?

If you’re feeling anxious, try starting small.

Slow things down.Take a moment and concentrate on breathing slowly and comfortably.

Focus on what’s happening now.Anxiety often pulls our thoughts towards what 
might happen rather than what is happening.

Write your worries down.Getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper can make them feel easier to organise.

Separate what you can and can’t control.If you can do something about a worry, identify one small next step.

Talk to somebody.Speaking to someone you trust can help you feel less alone with what you’re experiencing.

WHEN SHOULD I ASK FOR MORE HELP?

Consider speaking to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional if anxiety is happening regularly, is difficult to manage or is having a significant effect on your everyday life.

This might include affecting your sleep, work or relationships, or stopping you doing things you would normally do.

KEEP EXPLORING

You might also find these MH360 guides useful:

Managing racing thoughts
Simple breathing exercises for anxiety
Grounding techniques
How to manage anxiety before bed

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE?

Sometimes it can help to talk things through.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.