What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, worry, fear, or unease in response to real or perceived threats. It becomes an anxiety disorder when intensity, frequency, or duration starts to disrupt daily life. Below is a quick overview of what anxiety is, how it shows up, why it happens, and what actually helps.
Learn more about how I approach anxiety therapy in my practice if this topic feels familiar.
Definition of Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and unease. It is a normal emotion that can help you take action when faced with a difficult situation. However, if you experience anxiety that is intense, persistent, or out of proportion to the situation, it can affect your daily life and may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that involve extreme and persistent worry, fear, and unease. Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include feeling on edge, being easily startled, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping. Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling.
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety can be divided into two main categories: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and specific phobias. GAD is characterized by a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear of everyday situations. People with GAD may experience physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, and difficulty breathing. On the other hand, specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, activities, or situations. People with phobias may experience a panic attack when confronted with the object of their fear. Treatment for both types of anxiety involves psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
In addition to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and specific phobias, other common anxiety-related conditions include panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. Some related conditions, like OCD and PTSD, are no longer categorized under “anxiety disorders” in diagnostic manuals but frequently involve significant anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that can present with a range of physical and psychological symptoms. These can include constantly feeling on edge, having difficulty concentrating, being easily irritated, having difficulty sleeping, and avoiding social situations. Physical symptoms include headaches, fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, nausea, and difficulty breathing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to speak to a mental health professional to rule out or diagnose an anxiety disorder. You might also notice body symptoms like jaw clenching, stomach issues, or a racing heart—your nervous system’s way of preparing for a threat.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and unease, usually generalized and unfocused as an overreaction to a situation that is only subjectively seen as menacing. It is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, rapid breathing, and excessive or rapid heart rate. Anxiety is frequently caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, changes in brain chemistry, traumatic life events, and long-term drug or alcohol abuse. Some medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, can also play a role in causing anxiety. Additionally, certain medications, such as steroids and some antidepressants, can also cause anxiety. People who feel out of control, helpless, or overwhelmed for a long period of time are more likely to suffer from anxiety.
Treating Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in many forms, from mild nervousness to paralyzing fear. Treatment for anxiety typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, talk therapy, and sometimes medications. Common lifestyle changes include:
Exercising regularly.
Getting enough sleep.
Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Avoiding substances that can worsen anxiety, like nicotine and caffeine.
Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can help you identify and replace negative thought patterns with healthier ones. In some cases, medications may be used to help manage anxiety symptoms.
A simple place to start: extended-exhale breathing (inhale 4, exhale 6–8) for one minute, and one 3-minute movement snack to discharge stress.
Anxiety is a natural emotion. When it becomes persistent or disruptive, professional support can help you learn skills that stick. Anxiety therapy offers tools to calm your body, challenge unhelpful thought loops, and gradually reclaim the parts of life anxiety has crowded out.
Find support where you are: Boise Area • Salt Lake City Area • Denver Area • Connecticut
About the Author
Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC, is a licensed therapist with over 10 years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, overwhelm, and identity challenges. He is certified in HeartMath, Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and breathwork facilitation. Taylor is the founder of Inner Heart Therapy, where he provides online therapy across multiple states.
Last reviewed: November 5, 2025 by Taylor Garff, M.Coun, LCPC, CMHC, LPC
