Several people feel different forms and severities of anxiety. Anxiety in some cases is a very normal and even healthy condition. We all need some of it to function effectively and concentrate.  Anxiety can basically be felt by anyone at any particular time. Whether you’re anxious about that job interview you are going for, or you’re worried about meeting your partner’s parents, it is normal to feel this way.

However, there are some cases where anxiety can feel overwhelming. When someone feels an irregular form of anxiety level, it is then classified as a mental health disorder. Anyone can suffer from any level of anxiety at any particular time. It is mostly not selective.

In the United States alone, more than 60 million people suffer from it, which is about 20% of the population. However, only about 30% go ahead to receive treatment. They are also reported to be more likely to lose jobs, be involved in failed relationships, and even ultimately commit suicide.

The pandemic has infused more of this dreadful feeling of fear in all of us, and multiple countries are in continuous search for a vaccine. However, more and more people still continue to have anxiety without even knowing that they are suffering from it. That is why it is important to understand what anxiety is, and what to do about it.

 In this article, I would explain what exactly anxiety is, and what someone with anxiety should feel. Doing this would give you more insight, making you able to discard misconceptions.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety symptoms are pretty much one and the same. That excessive and crippling fear and worry that you seem to always feel is also felt by other people suffering from anxiety. If you are suffering from anxiety, you should experience most or all of these symptoms:

• Restlessness: You can’t seem to stop your foot or other parts from moving, and your mind does not seem to catch a break
• Excessive worry: There are a lot of things to fear, and it is quite a normal reaction to certain situations. However, when you are excessively worried for reasons that you shouldn’t be worries about, or you are so worried that you can’t function properly, then it becomes something to worry about.
• Irritability: Interestingly, some people respond to situations with intense irritation towards everything. They get very angry, and will most likely lash out if someone does as much as breathing wrong.
• Sleep difficulties: Because people tend to worry about several things like future aspirations, relationships, work, and other scenarios out of their control, they tend to stay up late devising plans to counter this, notice flaws in their “plans”, which would fill them with more worry. We mostly call this “overthinking”. This in turn causes them to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Anxiety can destroy a big part of your life’s affairs if not taken seriously. It negatively affects your relationships with people, and can also affect your work performance. If you feel any of these symptoms, you do not have to worry.

You can get help through therapy, medication, and support groups. As an alternative though, you can talk to friends and loved ones, and explain your situation to them.