Untangling Anxiety

Untangling Anxiety

“Anxiety, at its core, is a protective mechanism. It’s our mind’s way of alerting us to potential danger. But when we misunderstand it or let it run wild, it can become the beast that drives us away from the very life we’re trying to protect.” 
-  Sarah Wilson, author of First, We Make the Beast Beautiful: A New Journey Through Anxiety

We’ve all been there—heart racing, mind spinning, and a general sense of dread creeping in. That’s anxiety showing up, and while everyone experiences it at some point, understanding it better can help you manage those overwhelming feelings. So, what exactly is anxiety, and how do you figure out if you’re anxious? 

Anxiety as protection

According to the American Psychiatric Association, anxiety is “ongoing worry and tension may be accompanied by physical symptoms, such as restlessness, feeling on edge or easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension or problems sleeping.” Anxiety is a protective mechanism that prepares us to face potential challenges or dangers. But when it sticks around too long, it becomes less about protection and more about disruption, impacting your everyday life. 

Why Does Anxiety Happen? 

Anxiety can be triggered by many factors. Sometimes, it is situational—like starting a new job, facing an exam, or moving to a new city. Other times, anxiety can result from deeper psychological or emotional causes, including past trauma or ongoing stress. Think of it like this: your brain is wired to keep you safe, so when it senses a threat (real or not), it kicks into fight-or-flight mode. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood your system, getting you ready to face whatever’s coming. But when this response happens too often or without a clear reason, it becomes anxiety. 

According to the article written by Jane Leonard in 2021, anxiety is like a complex puzzle: sometimes, anxiety runs in families, passed down through generations. Other times, it's like a chemical imbalance in the brain, where certain messengers (neurotransmitters) aren't working quite right. And let's not forget personality: some people are just wired to worry more, like a perfectionist or an overthinker. All these factors can work together, sometimes in surprising ways, to influence our experiences with anxiety. 

How Does Anxiety Show Up? 

Anxiety doesn’t stay locked in your head; it shows up throughout your whole body. Here’s what it might look like:

Mentally: You can’t stop worrying, and your thoughts just won’t slow down. It’s like your brain is on an endless loop of “what-ifs,” constantly overthinking even the smallest things.

Physically: Anxiety takes a toll on your body too. You might notice your heart pounding, your palms sweating, or your muscles tensing up. Some people experience stomach issues, dizziness, or a tight feeling in their chest—like your body is bracing for something bad to happen.

Emotionally: Anxiety can make you feel on edge, irritable, or like you’re always waiting for something to go wrong. It can cause you to avoid situations or people, as facing them feels too overwhelming. You might even sense an underlying tension that’s hard to explain but impossible to shake.

How to Tell if You’re Anxious