Is It Anxiety?

Anxiety is such an abstract concept. Most people can easily recognize when they feel sad, angry, or frustrated. Anxiety, however, is different. Many people who have never been to therapy or who do not have a loved one with an anxiety disorder may not fully understand what anxiety feels like until they experience it themselves.

It is common to feel nervous before an important event or a difficult situation. Most people can relate to being anxious before a job interview, a presentation, or a major life change. But there is also what many people describe as “random anxiety,” or what may actually be an anxiety disorder.

After more than 18 years of experience as a psychologist, I still often hear people respond to the question, “Do you feel nervous or anxious?” with, “I don’t know.”

Nervousness vs. Anxiety

So, first, what is the difference between nervousness and anxiety?

Nervousness is a common and normal emotional response. It usually happens before an important event or stressful situation, has a clear cause, and tends to go away once the event has passed. While uncomfortable, it generally does not create significant impairment in daily life.

Anxiety, on the other hand, can be more persistent and overwhelming. Sometimes it has a specific trigger, and other times it seems to appear without a clear reason. Anxiety may involve excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness, sweating, racing thoughts, heart palpitations, difficulty concentrating, and other physical symptoms. Some people may also experience panic attacks.

It is also important to remember that certain medical conditions or medications can produce symptoms that feel similar to anxiety. Because of this, it is important to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

When to Consider Professional Support

If you are wondering whether it may be time to seek professional help, here are a few signs to look out for:

• Your worry or tension continues long after the stressful event has passed.
• You feel anxious or tense but cannot identify what is causing it.
• Anxiety interferes with your ability to concentrate, work, study, or manage daily responsibilities.
• You are experiencing physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention or go to the emergency room. Once medical causes have been ruled out, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional.
• You find yourself avoiding social situations or isolating because your symptoms worsen around other people or in public settings.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it can serve as a guide for recognizing when anxiety may be affecting your quality of life.

The good news is that anxiety is treatable. Therapy, lifestyle changes, stress-management strategies, and, in some cases, medication can all help people better understand and manage their symptoms. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness — it is a step toward understanding yourself and improving your well-being. And while it may be tempting to ask an AI chatbot for guidance, that is not the same as working with a clinician who can truly understand what you are going through.

Certain dates and holidays can also heighten anxiety, especially for those carrying grief tied to military service or loss. If you notice your symptoms intensifying around specific times of year, that pattern is worth paying attention to.