Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion. But for those living with anxiety disorders, it can feel overwhelming, constant, and life-limiting. It’s not about being "nervous"—it’s about your brain trying to protect you in overdrive.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about everyday life.
- Social Anxiety: Intense fear of social interactions or being judged.
- Panic Disorder: Sudden panic attacks and fear of them recurring.
- Phobias: Extreme fear of specific things or situations.
- Health Anxiety: Obsessive fear of being seriously ill.
What It Feels Like
- Racing heart, shallow breath, or nausea
- Restlessness or sense of doom
- Overthinking worst-case scenarios
- Feeling like you can’t calm down or "turn it off"
Even when it feels like it won’t end—it always passes. And you're not broken.
Helpful Tools & Support
- Try the Grounding Spinner or Breath Bubble in the Tools section
- Write your worries in the Mind Spiral to release looping thoughts
- Use the Color Your Mood activity to gently check in with yourself
- Talk to someone—a therapist, peer, or hotline is always an option
Support Lines
- Canada: Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566
- USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- UK: Anxiety UK – 03444 775 774
- Global: findahelpline.com
Gentle Reminders
"You are not your anxiety. You are the observer, not the storm."
"One breath at a time. You are doing the best you can—and that’s enough."