What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It’s your body’s way of preparing to respond to a challenge, often called the "fight, flight, or freeze" response. Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life — you might feel it before a big presentation, an important decision, or a challenging situation.

However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming, or interferes with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can show up in many ways, including:

  • Excessive worrying that feels difficult to control

  • Physical symptoms such as racing heart, restlessness, muscle tension, stomach ache or trouble sleeping

  • Avoidance of situations that trigger fear or discomfort or Phobias

  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling easily overwhelmed

Anxiety can stem from a variety of factors, including genetics, past experiences, life stressors, and even environmental influences. It can also show up alongside other mental health challenges, such as depression.

The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. Through supportive therapy, skill-building, and compassionate exploration, it’s possible to understand your anxiety, build coping strategies, and regain a sense of calm and confidence.

If anxiety is affecting your life, you’re not alone — help is available.

Disorders closely related to Anxiety

  • Panic Disorder - Characterized by recurrent panic attacks, which include sudden and intense episodes of fear along with physical symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) – Involves an intense fear of social situations due to concerns about embarrassment or judgment.

  • Specific Phobias – Marked by excessive fear of a specific object or situation (e.g., heights, flying, spiders).

  • Agoraphobia – Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, often leading to avoidance of public places.

  • Separation Anxiety Disorder – Fear of being away from attachment figures, more common in children but can also affect adults.

  • Selective Mutism – Inability to speak in specific social situations despite being able to communicate in others.

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.

  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – Involves excessive anxiety about perceived physical flaws.

  • Hoarding Disorder – Anxiety-driven difficulty in discarding possessions, leading to excessive accumulation.

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Persistent anxiety following exposure to trauma, often with flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

  • Acute Stress Disorder – Similar to PTSD but occurs within the first month after trauma exposure.

  • Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety – Anxiety symptoms that develop in response to a specific stressor.

Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders:

  • Illness Anxiety Disorder (Hypochondriasis) – Excessive worry about having a serious medical condition despite little or no medical evidence.

  • Somatic Symptom Disorder – Intense focus on physical symptoms that cause distress and anxiety.

Neurodevelopmental and Mood Disorders with Anxiety Features:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Often coexists with anxiety, as individuals may struggle with executive functioning and social interactions.

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Anxiety is common due to difficulties with social situations and sensory sensitivities.

  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with Anxious Distress – A subtype of depression where anxiety symptoms are prominent.

  • Bipolar Disorder with Anxious Distress – Anxiety often co-occurs with manic or depressive episodes.