What does anxiety feel like? The impact of anxiety seems to be everywhere. News reports talk about how so many people are suffering from it. Schools and businesses claim productivity is affected by it. Blogs list “ten ways or more” to manage it.

Yet, though you recognize some internal fear and discomfort, you aren’t alone if you have trouble pinning down how anxiety affects you personally. An answer to “what does anxiety feel like” may not be clear.

Is that feeling in your gut anxiety or just the normal amount of stress that comes with life and responsibility?
Do you sense your current health troubles are linked to anxiety?
Is the way you feel about your partner and relationship being influenced by anxiety?
What can you do about the way anxiety makes you feel?

These questions are completely normal. To answer them, let’s consider what might be happening mentally, physically, and to the way you function daily.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: What Does Anxiety Feel Like in Your Mind?

Relaxation Does Not Come Easy

Racing thoughts and nervous tension are frequent obstacles to an anxious person’s ability to relax and sleep well. The world can feel sped up and frustratingly difficult to rein in. Slowing down to calm down may feel difficult to achieve, even when you want to do so. If you aren’t careful, this can lead to unhealthy means of relaxation.

Is that feeling in your gut anxiety or just the normal amount of stress that comes with life and responsibility?
Do you sense your current health trouble?

High Alert, Red Flag Thinking Has Become the Norm

Do you often fear the worst? Anxiety may be a factor if you are always “on”, constantly on edge, or frequently attempting to control your environment. A deep feeling that you need to be prepared for fight or flight is common in anxiety sufferers. You may spend inordinate amounts of time dreading, planning, or controlling others to try and deal with your fears.

Worry Feels Necessary

Sometimes anxiety feels like a job. Fear that not worrying will leave you or others vulnerable in some way can be consuming. It feels like something you must do to ensure that bad things don’t happen. Rumination about bad experiences in the past or dreading the future may become a preoccupation.

Though you may feel mentally drained by worry, you may feel unable to let your guard down and remain present. You may even worry about anxiety itself, particularly if you are prone to bouts of panic.

You Disconnect to Cope

For some people, anxiety is so uncomfortable that they dissociate or distance themselves from reality to cope. This can happen in a couple of ways:

depersonalization. You feel disconnected from your mind or body as if you were watching a movie.
derealisation. You feel disconnected from your environment as if the world isn’t real.

In addition to your mind, your body may be affected by anxiety as well.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: What Does Anxiety Feel Like in Your Body?

You Feel the Discomfort Routinely

When asking the question “what does anxiety feel like”, the physical symptoms often come up first. They are more obvious signs of the fight or flight anxiety response, making the mind-body connection clear. Do you feel these symptoms often?

A choking sensation
a churning feeling in your gut
light-headedness or dizziness
a pins and needles sensation
restlessness or desire to fidget
head, neck, backache, bodily pain
elevated respiration, shortness of breath
elevated or irregular pulse
sweating or hot flashes
sleep disruption
teeth grinding
nausea, digestive trouble
shifts in libido

Existing Problems are Exacerbated

If you have an existing illness or a disability, anxiety may be intertwined with the stressors and issues created by your condition. Thus, anxiety on either front can lead to a cycle of distress that makes you feel worse. It’s a good idea then, to employ a mental and physical care team to help you stay strong and able to cope optimally.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: What Does Anxiety Feel Like in Your Daily Life & Relationships?

For some people, anxiety is constant. For others, it comes and goes. Both experiences may feel the effects on their daily lives. Perhaps you are struggling with some of the following issues:

Personal Progress

Fear is stifling. Whether you feel afraid for your health, worry about speaking in public, or can’t handle the uncertainty of unemployment, anxiety can simply feel like an emotional brick wall. You may have trouble focusing on taking care of your personal needs, shopping for food, and seeking for or holding down a job.

Social Discomfort

Anxiety can impact your self-esteem and confidence. You may feel that people can see how worried you are and judge you. You may feel conspicuous or out of place. Trying new things and dating may feel less possible or desirable.

Relationship Strain

Anxiety is marked by an intolerance of uncertainty. This can mean trouble in your relationship with a partner. You may feel worried about your connection, fear abandonment, or try to control them to ensure they are safe.

Feeling the need for constant reassurance or fretting that your partner is dissatisfied are signs of anxiety. This can feel confining for them and exhausting for you.

If you are feeling anxiety internally and relationally, it’s time to seek help.

Anxiety Treatment NYC: Seeking Support is Vital

While it is always true that mental health struggles are unique to the person experiencing them, it’s also true that there are some general supports and mental health tools that can provide relief. Your awareness coupled with compassionate, experienced guidance can help you determine how to overcome your anxiety.

Learn more about our Anxiety Treatment counseling services for help.

The Relationship Suite

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