Let’s face it—feeling anxious now and then is a normal part of life. But sometimes, that worry or stress can start to feel like it’s taking over. So, how can you tell when anxiety is more than just a passing feeling and something that might need more attention?
Understanding what anxiety actually feels like is the first step in recognizing when it’s time to get support.
What does Anxiety Feel Like and Why Does it Happen?
Your Body Feels Off
Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your physical health. If you’re always dealing with headaches, can’t sleep, catch colds often, or have random aches and pains, anxiety could be behind it. (Of course, it’s always smart to check in with your doctor, too!)
Your Relationships Are Strained
Feeling irritable or on edge can make it hard to connect with family, friends, or your partner. If you find yourself snapping at people or pulling away from relationships, anxiety might be playing a role.
Emotions Feel Out of Control
An anxious person may feel extremely emotional on a regular basis. Feeling emotions is, of course, a healthy thing. If your emotions are more intense than usual, and hit you much more frequently, anxiety levels could be a cause.
Work or School Is a Struggle
Are you having trouble concentrating, feeling exhausted, or just not caring about things you used to enjoy? Anxiety can make it difficult to stay on task and motivated.
Everyday Life Feels Overwhelming
If basic tasks suddenly feel huge or you’re constantly feeling stressed about things that didn’t previously bother you, it could be a sign that your anxiety is getting harder to manage.
You’ve Lost Interest in Things You Love
If the hobbies and activities that once made you happy now feel boring or stressful, anxiety might be draining your energy and joy.
If any of this sounds like what you’re going through, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Talking to a therapist could be a great first step toward feeling like yourself again, and Evolve Counseling Fort Collins can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
What Are Different Types of Anxiety?
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is characterized by constant, excessive worry about everyday situations. People with GAD often feel anxious about work, health, finances, or relationships, even when there’s no obvious reason for concern. This ongoing worry can make it hard to relax, focus, or sleep, and it often leads to physical symptoms like fatigue, restlessness, and muscle tension. The anxiety feels hard to control and can interfere with daily life.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are unexpected and powerful episodes of fear that trigger severe physical reactions when there’s no real danger. They can come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling like you’re losing control or even having a heart attack. Symptoms might include a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, and feelings of impending doom. For some, the fear of having another panic attack can become overwhelming and lead to avoiding certain places or situations.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than just being shy. It’s an overwhelming fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. This fear can make it difficult to speak up in meetings, attend social gatherings, or even make small talk. Many people with social anxiety worry for days or weeks before an event and may avoid social situations altogether.
Phobias
A phobia is an irrational fear of an object, situation, or activity. The most common phobias are fear of heights, spiders, flying, or crowded spaces. The fear is so strong that it often leads people to go out of their way to avoid the trigger, even when it poses no real threat. This type of avoidance can interfere with everyday life and limit personal freedom.
Separation Anxiety
Though often associated with children, separation anxiety can also affect adults. It involves intense fear or distress about being apart from loved ones or home. People with separation anxiety may constantly worry that something bad will happen to those they care about or feel extreme discomfort when away from familiar places. This can make traveling, attending school, or being alone very challenging.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is typically a natural outgrowth of living with Panic Disorder or a Specific Phobia. These forms of anxiety often lead people to avoid public spaces, crowds, or even leaving their homes. For some, even simple activities like grocery shopping or using public transportation can feel impossible. In severe cases, agoraphobia can be so debilitating that a person may become completely housebound.
How Do You Treat Anxiety?
The most common type of treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps you figure out how your thoughts affect how you feel and what you do. Then, you and your counselor work together to change those thought patterns in ways that actually help.
Can You Manage Anxiety on Your Own?
Yes and no. While professional help can make a big difference in understanding what to do and how to incorporate the steps, there are also things you can do on your own to ease anxiety when it starts creeping in.
Talk It Out
Don’t bottle things up. Sharing what you’re feeling with a friend, family member, or even a counselor can help lighten the load. You don’t have to figure it all out alone or all at once.
Focus on Your Breathing
Trying slow, deep breaths can help calm your body when anxiety hits. Try breathing in for four seconds, then holding for four, and breathing out for four. Repeat a few times, and you’ll find when you slow your body, your brain slows down too. This style of breathing is similar to Box Breathing.
Get Up and Move
Physical activity is a great way to help relieve stress. When you live in Colorado, you have easy access to a variety of things to try! Go for a walk, take a swim, try some yoga, or hit the gym. Even a short run or a few stretches can help release built-up tension.
Get Some Sleep
Struggling to sleep can make anxiety worse. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine, or cutting back on screens before bed.
Eat Regular, Balanced Meals
Skipping meals or eating junk food can mess with your energy and mood. Eating balanced, regular meals helps keep your energy steady throughout the day.
Connect with People Who Understand
Peer support can be super helpful. Talking to people who’ve been through similar struggles can make you feel less alone. This is where talking with a counselor like those at Evolve Counseling Fort Collins can drastically help you.
Listen to Something Calming
Free mental health audio guides or calming playlists can help quiet your mind. Whether it’s guided meditation or nature sounds, listening to something soothing can make a big difference.
Learning how to calm your body and mind can make a huge difference. But if it feels too big to handle alone, that’s what we’re here for.
How Can Evolve Help With Anxiety?
At Evolve Counseling Services in Fort Collins, Colorado, Lindsey Phillips, LPC, and Ben Smith, LPC, are all about helping people with similar struggles just like you. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just feel stuck, Evolve gives you a comfortable space where you can talk it out and learn how to feel better. Whether it’s online or in person, they can help you focus on real therapy that works with your busy life.
