Is Feeling Anxious Normal? (Understanding Your Anxiety)

It’s totally normal to feel anxious sometimes. I mean, who hasn’t felt those butterflies in their stomach before a big presentation or worried about a challenging situation? Anxiety is just a part of being human, right? But how can you tell if your anxiety is normal or something you need to be more concerned about?

Anxiety: Your Body’s Alarm System (But Sometimes It’s a Bit Overprotective)

Think of anxiety as your body’s way of trying to keep you safe. It’s like an alarm system that goes off when it senses danger, getting you ready to either fight or run away. This “fight-or-flight” response can be pretty handy in some situations, giving you that extra boost of energy and focus when you need it.

Good Anxiety, Bad Anxiety…How to Tell the Difference

A little bit of anxiety can actually be a good thing. It can motivate you to work harder, prepare better, and ultimately, do your best. But when anxiety starts taking over your life and making it hard to function, that’s when it becomes a problem.

Signs Your Anxiety Might Be Getting Out of Hand:

• Worrywart Extraordinaire:

  You can’t seem to stop worrying, even about things that aren’t really a big deal.

• Body Freak-Outs:

  You get physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, the shakes, feeling dizzy, or trouble sleeping.

• The Great Avoider:

  You start avoiding things that make you anxious, even if they’re important.

• Panic Attack City:

  You have sudden episodes of intense fear that come with physical symptoms like chest pain, feeling like you can’t breathe, and a sense of impending doom.

• Life’s a Mess:

  Your anxiety is messing with your job, your relationships, your sleep, and just making it hard to enjoy life.

Time to Get Some Help?

If anxiety is making your life difficult, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. They can help you understand what’s going on, teach you coping skills, and get you back on track.