What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that alerts us to danger and prepares us to act. It’s part of our built-in survival system—often described as “fight or flight.” When we perceive a threat, our body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones to help us either face the challenge or escape from it.
This can create powerful physical sensations, such as:
A racing heart
Tight chest or fast breathing
Shaky hands or wobbly legs
A sick or tense feeling in the stomach
A need to escape or avoid the situation altogether
These are signs your body is preparing to keep you safe—but when anxiety shows up too often, or without a clear danger, it can feel confusing and overwhelming. It may stop you from doing the things that matter most.
Anxiety can stop people from:
Speaking up in meetings or social settings
Going to work or school
Travelling, taking public transport, or leaving the house
Trying new things or meeting new people
Sleeping well or feeling relaxed, even at home
Making decisions, trusting themselves, or feeling “in control”
The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety—it’s to understand it, manage it, and respond in ways that help you move forward.
