What Is Anxiety? Understanding Its Causes, Symptoms and When to Get Help

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. It’s a natural part of being human. Whether it's nerves before a big meeting, butterflies before a first date, or worry over a loved one’s health, anxiety can be a normal response to stress or uncertainty.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I feel so anxious all the time?” or “Is what I’m feeling normal?” I want you to know you're not alone. My aim is to help you understand your experience and know that there is help available; because anxiety is something we can manage, and relief is absolutely possible.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to perceived danger or stress. It’s part of your internal alarm system; something that’s helped humans survive for thousands of years. When your brain senses a threat, it sends signals to prepare your body to act. This is often referred to as the “fight, flight, or freeze” response.

In small doses, anxiety can be helpful. It can motivate you to prepare for a job interview, meet a deadline, or look both ways before crossing the street. But when that alarm system is overactive or misfiring; when it’s being triggered by things that aren’t truly dangerous or won’t harm you; anxiety can become overwhelming.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety affects both the body and the mind. For some people, the symptoms are mostly physical. For others, it’s the racing thoughts or constant worry that are most distressing. Everyone experiences it differently, but here are some common signs of anxiety:

Physical Symptoms:

  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

  • Shallow or fast breathing

  • Tightness in the chest or throat

  • Sweating, trembling, or shaking

  • Nausea or upset stomach

  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

  • Tense muscles

  • Difficulty sleeping

Mental and Emotional Symptoms:

  • Excessive worry that feels hard to control

  • Feeling on edge or restless

  • Trouble concentrating or focusing

  • A sense of dread or expecting the worst

  • Feeling overwhelmed by everyday situations

  • Avoidance of people, places, or situations

These symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. Some people have occasional panic attacks, while others live with a persistent sense of unease that never fully goes away.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety doesn’t have a single cause. It's usually the result of a combination of factors; some that come from your environment, others from within your biology or personal history. Understanding what might be contributing to your anxiety can help you feel more in control and less alone.

1. Stressful Life Events

Big changes — like losing a job, moving house, ending a relationship, or becoming a parent; can trigger anxiety. Even exciting transitions, like starting university or getting married, can bring on anxious feelings.

2. Genetics and Family History

Anxiety can run in families. If your parents or close relatives experience anxiety, you might be more likely to experience it too.

3. Brain Chemistry

Changes or imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin or dopamine, can influence how you respond to stress and how intensely you feel anxiety.

4. Personality Traits

Some people are naturally more sensitive, cautious, or perfectionistic; and these traits can sometimes lead to increased anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations.

5. Childhood Experiences

Growing up in an unpredictable, stressful, or overly critical environment can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety later in life.

6. Health Conditions

Some medical issues, such as thyroid problems or heart conditions, can cause symptoms that mimic or trigger anxiety. Substance use or withdrawal can also affect how you feel emotionally.

Different Types of Anxiety

Anxiety can look and feel different depending on the type. Some of the most common forms include:

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about everyday things like work, health, or family.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.

  • Panic Disorder: Repeated panic attacks; sudden episodes of intense fear that come out of nowhere.

  • Phobias: Extreme fear of a specific thing (like flying, spiders, or heights) that leads to avoidance.

  • Health Anxiety: Constant worry about having a serious illness, even when medical tests show you’re fine.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) used to ease anxiety.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Anxiety linked to a past traumatic experience.

Even if you don’t fit neatly into one of these categories, your anxiety is still valid and deserves attention.

When to Get Help for Anxiety

It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, but if anxiety is getting in the way of your daily life, relationships, or peace of mind, it might be time to seek professional support.

Here are some signs that getting help could be a good step:

  • Your worry feels constant or uncontrollable

  • You’re avoiding things you used to enjoy or find important

  • You’re having trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating

  • You’re experiencing frequent panic attacks

  • You feel emotionally exhausted or on edge most days

  • You’ve tried to manage it on your own, but nothing seems to help

You don’t need to wait for things to get worse. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a step towards reclaiming calm and balance in your life.

How Treatment Can Help

The good news is that anxiety is treatable. You don’t have to live in a constant state of worry or fear.

1. Therapy

Talking with a qualified therapist can help you understand your anxiety, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and develop practical coping tools. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is especially effective for many people.

2. Lifestyle Support

Exercise, balanced nutrition, regular sleep, and mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing can help calm your nervous system and improve your overall wellbeing.

3. Medication

For some people, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications can make a meaningful difference. These are often used alongside therapy and are prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist.

4. Support Systems

Opening up to trusted friends, family, or support groups can reduce feelings of isolation and give you a sense of connection during tough moments.

Moving Forward with Support

If you're finding anxiety difficult to manage, you're not alone; and support is available. With the right help, it's possible to understand what you're feeling, learn effective ways to cope, and regain a greater sense of calm in everyday life.

Kobie