Anxiety Isn’t Just Overthinking – It’s a Battle with Your Own Mind
We often hear people say, “Don’t worry so much,” or “You’re just overthinking it.” These phrases are meant to be comforting—but to someone struggling with anxiety, they can feel dismissive and frustrating. Because anxiety isn’t just about worrying too much. It’s about living in a body that constantly feels like it’s under threat, even when everything seems “fine.”
What Anxiety Really Feels Like
Anxiety is like a storm inside the mind. It can hit you in the middle of a calm day, for no clear reason. Your chest tightens. Your heart races. You overanalyse that one text message or social interaction. You feel like something bad is going to happen—even if you have no evidence of it.
Some people experience anxiety through physical symptoms:
- Tension in the shoulders and neck
- Stomach aches, nausea, or IBS
- Headaches, fatigue, or a racing heart
Others feel it emotionally: constant dread, irritability, trouble concentrating, or difficulty making even small decisions. And while anxiety can include overthinking, it runs much deeper. It’s not about being dramatic—it’s about your brain sending danger signals, even in safe environments.
The Invisible Struggles of Anxiety
People with anxiety often hide their struggles well. They smile in meetings, deliver presentations, go to social events. But inside, their mind is working overtime. Questions spiral:
- “What if I fail?”
- “What if they think I’m weird?”
- “What if something bad happens?”
This internal monologue can be exhausting. And because people often function well outwardly, they may not be taken seriously. That’s one of the hardest parts: feeling overwhelmed inside while looking “fine” on the outside.
Anxiety also doesn’t follow logic. You know your partner isn’t mad. You know the presentation went fine. But the fear doesn’t go away. Anxiety isn’t a choice—it’s a condition.
The Ripple Effect on Life
Anxiety affects every area of life:
- Work: Fear of failure, perfectionism, procrastination
- Relationships: Needing constant reassurance, fear of abandonment
- Self-esteem: Feeling not good enough, second-guessing yourself
- Health: Sleep problems, appetite changes, chronic stress
The hardest part? Sometimes you don’t even realise how much anxiety is influencing your life until you step back.
Support and Understanding Go a Long Way
If you love someone who struggles with anxiety, you don’t have to “fix” them. What they need is presence, patience, and understanding. Here are a few helpful things to say:
- “It’s okay to feel how you feel. I’m here.”
- “You’re not alone.”
- “I may not fully understand, but I’m listening.”
Avoid saying things like:
- “Just relax.”
- “You’re overreacting.”
- “There’s nothing to worry about.”
While well-intentioned, these phrases can make someone feel dismissed or misunderstood. Instead, hold space for them. Ask what helps them feel safe. Sometimes that’s a quiet room, a walk, or a deep breath together.
Managing Anxiety: Tools and Therapy
While anxiety might feel like it’s in control, there are effective ways to manage it. Some helpful tools include:
- Grounding techniques: Using your senses to connect with the present moment (like the 5-4-3-2-1 method)
- Mindful breathing: Inhaling deeply, holding, then slowly exhaling to calm your nervous system
- Journaling: Putting anxious thoughts on paper to reduce mental clutter
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is especially effective for anxiety
- Medication: For some, medication is a vital part of managing symptoms—it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Even small changes like regular sleep, reducing caffeine, and daily movement can support your mental health.
You Are Not Alone
Anxiety affects millions of people. It doesn’t care about your background, job title, or social status. You are not weak for feeling this way. You are not broken. You’re human.
If you’re struggling right now, know this: you’re doing your best. And that is enough. You don’t have to fight your mind alone. Help is available, and healing is possible.
