What Does Anxiety Feel Like?
Anxiety is something most people experience at some point in life, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can interfere with your ability to enjoy daily activities, relationships, and even rest. If you've ever asked yourself, “Is this anxiety?”—you’re not alone. Understanding how anxiety feels, both emotionally and physically, can be the first step toward finding relief.
How Anxiety Feels Emotionally
Anxiety isn’t just nervousness or occasional worry. It can show up as:
Racing thoughts that won’t slow down
A constant feeling of dread or that something bad is about to happen
Feeling on edge or unable to relax, even when nothing is obviously wrong
Difficulty concentrating or a “foggy” mind
A strong desire to avoid certain places, people, or situations
Anxiety can feel like your brain is always in “alert mode,” scanning for danger—even when there’s nothing to fear.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than just your thoughts—it often shows up in the body, too. You might notice:
A racing or pounding heart
Tightness in your chest
Shallow breathing or feeling like you can’t get enough air
Nausea, stomach aches, or other digestive issues
Sweating, shaking, or feeling dizzy
Fatigue or trouble sleeping—even when you’re exhausted
These physical symptoms are your nervous system's way of responding to what it thinks is a threat, even if the danger isn’t real.
What Does an Anxiety Attack Feel Like?
Anxiety attacks, sometimes called panic attacks, can come on suddenly and feel terrifying. They often involve:
Intense fear or a sense of losing control
A pounding heart, shortness of breath, or chest pain
A fear that something awful is about to happen—like fainting, going crazy, or dying
While panic attacks are not dangerous, they feel very real. Many people describe them as one of the scariest things they’ve ever experienced.
You're Not Alone: Anxiety Is Common and Treatable
If any of these feelings sound familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep living with anxiety. Therapy can help you understand the roots of your anxiety and build tools to manage it. Whether anxiety shows up in social situations, during major life transitions, or seemingly out of nowhere, support is available.
At Bay Tree Therapy Group, our therapists can work with you to create a personalized plan for relief. Our warm, compassionate approach focuses on helping you feel more grounded, confident, and in control of your life again.
When to Seek Help for Anxiety
You might consider talking to a therapist if:
Anxiety is interfering with your relationships, work, or sleep
You avoid certain things out of fear or worry
You’re constantly on edge or feel physically unwell without a clear reason
You’ve experienced panic attacks
You just don’t feel like yourself
You deserve to feel safe in your own body and mind.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Reaching out for support can feel daunting, but it’s a brave and empowering choice. If you’re wondering whether therapy might be right for you, we’re here to help. At Bay Tree Therapy Group, we’ll take the time to understand your unique experiences and match you with the right therapist.
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