Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges — but also one of the most misunderstood.

When people hear the word “anxiety,” they often imagine someone hyperventilating into a paper bag. But for many, anxiety doesn’t look like a movie scene. It’s quieter, sneakier, and often masked as something else entirely.

Let’s break it down.

Anxiety Can Feel Like…

• Overthinking everything you said after a conversation.
• Constantly imagining worst-case scenarios.
• Feeling tense in your shoulders or sick in your stomach — all day.
• Procrastinating because the task feels too big to start.
• Struggling to sleep because your brain won’t shut off.
• Avoiding texts or emails out of fear you did something wrong.

Sound familiar?

Physical Symptoms That Surprise People

Anxiety doesn’t live only in your thoughts. It shows up in your body too. You might notice:

• Racing heart
• Tight chest
• Nausea or dizziness
• Muscle tension
• Headaches
• Feeling hot, flushed, or jittery

You’re not imagining it. Anxiety is real — and physical.

The Hidden Forms of Anxiety

There are different types of anxiety, and some are easy to overlook:

• High-functioning anxiety: You look like you have it all together, but inside you’re exhausted and on edge.
• Social anxiety: Not just “shyness,” but a deep fear of being judged or rejected.
• Generalized anxiety: Worrying all the time, about everything — even good things.
• Health anxiety: Obsessing over physical symptoms or fearing illness constantly.
• Performance anxiety: Fear of failure, even when you’re doing well.

All are valid. All deserve care.

What Causes Anxiety?

It’s not always one thing. Anxiety can be triggered by:

• Life transitions (new job, parenting, moving)
• Past trauma or stressful experiences
• Family history or genetics
• High expectations — especially self-imposed
• Lack of rest, boundaries, or support

Anxiety is not weakness. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Something feels unsafe.” Even if the danger isn’t real — the reaction is.

You’re Not Alone — and You’re Not Broken

Living with anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken, dramatic, or overreacting.

It means you’re human.

It means you care.
It means your body is trying to protect you — it just needs new tools.
It means there’s hope, even when your thoughts tell you otherwise.

You don’t have to live stuck in your own head. And you don’t have to handle it all by yourself.