Anxiety! What is it and why does it happen!

Understanding Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety is one of the most common human experiences, yet when the symptoms appear, they can feel anything but ordinary. Many people worry that something is “wrong” with them when they notice their heart racing, their thoughts spiralling, or a sudden sense of dread. The truth is: these symptoms are extremely common, and in most cases, they're your body’s way of trying to protect you.

In this blog, we’ll explore what anxiety is, why it shows up the way it does, and how you can begin to normalise the symptoms rather than fear them.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body's natural alarm system. It evolved to keep you safe by alerting you to potential threats. When your brain perceives danger, whether the danger is real (a car speeding toward you) or imagined (what if I mess up this presentation?), your body activates what’s known as the fight flight freeze, appease response.

This response is designed to help you act quickly. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol surge through your body to prepare you to either fight the threat or run away from it.

Anxiety becomes challenging when:

• The alarm system activates too frequently,

• It goes off in situations where you’re not actually in danger,

• Or the physical sensations become overwhelming or confusing.

But understanding why these symptoms happen can make them feel much less frightening.

Common Anxiety Symptoms and Why They Happen

1. Racing Heart

Your heart beats faster so that more oxygen can reach your muscles in case you need to respond quickly. This is your body preparing you for action and not a sign of harm.

2. Shortness of Breath

Rapid breathing increases oxygen intake. The sensation can feel scary, but it’s simply a part of the body’s preparation mode.

3. Tight Chest

When muscles tense up, especially around the torso, the chest can feel tight or heavy. It's a natural part of the fight-or-flight response.

4. Restlessness or Feeling “On Edge”

Your nervous system becomes highly alert, scanning for danger. This can make you feel wired or unable to sit still.

5. Stomach Issues

The body slows digestion to conserve energy for survival tasks. This can lead to nausea, butterflies, or an upset stomach.

6. Sweating or Shaking

Your body is literally gearing up: sweating cools you down, shaking is the body’s way of releasing tension.

7. Racing Thoughts or Difficulty Concentrating

When your brain is in threat mode, it prioritises scanning for danger over logical thinking or problem-solving.

None of these symptoms are dangerous. They’re uncomfortable, yes! but they are your body doing what it’s designed to do.

You’re Not Broken

A key step in reducing anxiety’s impact is understanding that the symptoms themselves are not harmful. You’re not weak for experiencing anxiety. You’re not failing at “being calm.” Your body is responding to a perceived threat, even if the threat is a stressful email, an upcoming conversation, or an old fear popping up.

In fact:

• Anxiety is universal. Everyone experiences it.

• Symptoms are temporary. They always come down, even if slowly.

• The sensations have a purpose. They are not random or dangerous.

  
  

When we can stop viewing anxiety as an enemy and start recognising it as a biological response, we create space for self-compassion instead of fear.

How Understanding Anxiety Can Help

When you can name and explain what’s happening, the symptoms become far less overwhelming.

• “My heart is racing because my body thinks I’m in danger.”

• “This tension is just adrenaline doing its job.”

• “These symptoms will pass, they always do.”

  
  

This reframing moves you from fear to understanding. It turns the experience from something mysterious and frightening into something predictable and manageable.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety symptoms can feel intense, but they are deeply human, completely natural and normal. Your body is not malfunctioning; it’s reacting to perceived stress and trying, in its own way, to protect you. With education, awareness, and compassion, you can learn to recognise these sensations for what they are and respond with calm rather than panic.

If anxiety ever feels overwhelming or starts interfering with your daily life, reaching out to a mental health professional can provide support, tools, and guidance. For my top tips and guidance on how to help anxiety settle, check out my next blog on this page. Coming soon.