What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Overview

Anxiety isn’t just stress; it's more common than many people realise. Many Australians experience it at some point, and it can affect people in different ways. Around 17% of Australians experience an anxiety disorder.¹ While some anxiety is a natural response to stress, persistent or severe anxiety can be difficult to manage. This article outlines what anxiety feels like, how it differs from everyday stress, and when seeking support may be helpful.

Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is your body and mind’s response to a perceived danger or threat. It does not mean you are weak or failing.

At its core:

• It's your body’s threat response
• It is meant to keep you safe
• It can become a problem when it is persistent or excessive

Anxiety can also occur without an obvious danger, which is why it can feel confusing and overwhelming.

Emotional and mental feelings of anxiety

People often describe anxiety as:

• Constant worry or racing thoughts
• Feeling tense, restless, or unable to relax
• Fear that something bad will happen
• Trouble concentrating or overanalysing small details
• Feeling irritable, tearful, or emotionally exhausted

Many Australians describe it as feeling like they “can’t switch their brain off.”

Physical symptoms of anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t just affect your thoughts; it often shows up physically in very real ways.

1. Body sensations

• Tight chest or shortness of breath
• Racing or pounding heart
• Sweating, shaking, or dizziness
• Nausea or “butterflies” in the stomach

Amira, a registered psychotherapist mentions “Muscle tension, headaches, or gastrointestinal changes (such as diarrhoea or constipation)”.

Note: Physical symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath can also indicate serious physical health conditions. If you are experiencing severe chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, or believe you are having a medical emergency, call 000 immediately or visit the nearest Emergency Department.

2. Energy and sleep

• Feeling exhausted but “wired”
• Trouble falling or staying asleep

Anxiety often triggers physical symptoms, which is why people may sometimes think something is physically wrong.

What anxiety feels like in everyday situations

For many people, anxiety can be part of everyday life, showing up at work, at home, and even in quiet moments.

1. At work: Constantly worrying throughout the day about mistakes, deadlines, or meetings, even after work has finished.
2. Social situations: Feeling uncomfortable in conversations, replaying or second-guessing what you said, worrying about judgment, or avoiding social interactions altogether.
3. At night: Lying awake with racing thoughts, even after you’re physically tired and want to sleep.
4. Health anxiety: Assuming mild or normal symptoms signal a serious health issue.

Anxiety vs stress vs panic attacks

This comparison helps reduce confusion without self-diagnosis.

When anxiety becomes a problem

Signs that anxiety may need attention include:

• Interferes with work, study, or relationships
• Avoiding daily activities or situations
• Symptoms lasting weeks or months
• Using alcohol, medication, or substances to cope

When anxiety begins to interfere with daily life or doesn’t improve on its own, seeking support can help. Many Australians speak with their GP, who can help assess symptoms, rule out physical causes, and discuss treatment options. Anxiety is common, and effective support is available across Australia, including in-person and telehealth services.

How anxiety can feel different for different people

Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can manifest differently depending on age, gender, life stage, and personal circumstances, leading to a wide range of experiences across the Australian community.

It may differ based on:

• Men and women, including how anxiety is expressed or discussed
• Teenagers and adults, with younger people more likely to experience school or social-related anxiety.
• Life stage or cultural background that can shape how anxiety is recognised and managed.

What helps reduce anxiety symptoms

Note: This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a GP before attempting home remedies or significant lifestyle changes to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

Practical steps that often help include:

• Breathing or grounding techniques
• Regular sleep and daily routine
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol
• Talking to someone you trust
• Professional support from a GP or psychologist

Amira, a registered psychotherapist adds - In Australia, GPs can help create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which may provide Medicare rebates for sessions with eligible mental health professionals.

When to see a GP

Seeking help early can make anxiety more manageable and prevent symptoms from becoming more disruptive over time. In Australia, a GP is often the first point of contact and can guide you toward the right support. Appointments can be in-person or via telehealth, and discussions are confidential.

You may consider seeing a GP or mental health professional if:

• Anxiety is affecting your work, study, or relationships
• Symptoms persist for several weeks or recur
• Physical symptoms are causing concern
• You’re avoiding everyday situations or relying on alcohol to cope
• You want support or clarity, even if you’re unsure

How Hola Health can help

Hola Health makes it easier for Australians to access mental health support through:

• Online GP consultations: Access a consultation to discuss your mental health from home.

Note: Telehealth is a complementary service; if a physical examination is required to rule out other causes, your doctor will advise an in-person visit.

• Mental Health Treatment Plans: Assessments for MHTPs are subject to clinical suitability as determined by the GP during your consultation.
• Referrals: Referrals to AHPRA-registered mental health specialists or psychologists where clinically indicated.

This is especially helpful for people living in remote areas or with busy schedules.

Conclusion

Anxiety can affect both the mind and body, often appearing in daily life before people recognise what’s happening. Understanding how anxiety feels is a powerful first step. With appropriate support, many Australians learn to manage anxiety effectively and restore their quality of life.

Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Accessing a consultation via Hola Health is subject to clinical suitability as determined by the treating doctor.

FAQs

Is anxiety normal or a mental illness?

Anxiety is a normal response. However, it can become a mental health condition (such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder, social anxiety disorder or panic disorder) when it’s persistent or severe.

Can anxiety cause physical pain?

Yes. Anxiety often causes chest tightness, stomach problems, headaches, and muscle pain.

Does anxiety go away on its own?

Mild anxiety can pass with time, but persistent symptoms often improve faster with support.

How do I know if it’s anxiety or something else?

A GP can assess symptoms and rule out physical causes.

Can a GP diagnose anxiety in Australia?

Yes. Australian GPs can evaluate symptoms and, where clinically appropriate, diagnose and create a Mental Health Care Plan following a consultation.