Anxiety

Solidarity

What aspect of anxiety do you struggle with the most?

Discussing the specific aspects of anxiety we struggle with most is crucial because it helps break down the often overwhelming and isolating nature of the condition. Knowing that others face similar internal battles—be it relentless thoughts, physical discomfort, or social fears—fosters a sense of connection and validates experiences that can otherwise feel alienating or even shameful. Understanding these shared difficulties is a powerful step towards reducing stigma and encouraging mutual support.

We asked our community, "What aspect of anxiety do you struggle with the most?" to create a space for honest sharing and solidarity. Hearing directly from individuals about their personal battles highlights the diverse ways anxiety manifests and impacts daily life. It allows us to see beyond a clinical definition and connect with the lived reality of navigating anxiety.

The responses revealed several recurring themes. Many shared struggles with overwhelming cognitive patterns like overthinking, rumination, and catastrophic 'what-if' scenarios. Others emphasized the debilitating physical symptoms that often accompany anxiety. The impact on social interactions, relationships, work, and the pervasive feeling of losing control were also prominent points of difficulty.

Common Anxiety Experiences Shared by Our Community

Persistent overthinking, rumination, and getting stuck in negative thought loops or 'what if' cycles.
Debilitating physical symptoms like racing heart, dizziness, stomach issues, fatigue, and muscle tension.
Significant impact on social interactions, leading to isolation, fear of judgment, and relationship strain.
Feeling overwhelmed, powerless, and out of control during anxiety episodes or panic attacks.
Difficulty staying present, with anxiety often pulling focus away from the moment or towards future worries.

Our community discussed

How Does Anxiety Affect Your Thoughts? Overthinking and 'What Ifs'

Many community members described the mental toll of anxiety, characterized by incessant overthinking, replaying scenarios, and spiraling into 'what if' thoughts about the future. This constant mental activity is often exhausting and difficult to break free from.

Monique

5 months ago

Replaying the same scenario over and over. Also losing my appetite.

188

Ali

5 months ago

My thoughts leading me into a downward spiral that I struggle to pull my mind (& body) back out of. I often worry about “what ifs” & it’s debilitating.

295

Haley

5 months ago

The anxiety aspect I struggle the most with is overthinking and repeating those thought on a stuck cycle. I never can calm down or move on because I can’t stop thinking about the bad things.

261

Brittani

7 months ago

The rumination and overthinking, especially when it’s quiet. It can literally turn a great day into a bad one so quickly! To avoid it I wear headphones and listen to podcasts or YouTube videos all day so my brain doesn’t have the quiet moments to focus on everything I did wrong that day . Hugs to you all

240

Our community discussed

What Are the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety That People Experience?

Anxiety often manifests physically in intense and uncomfortable ways. Members shared experiences ranging from racing hearts and breathing difficulties to digestive issues and profound exhaustion, highlighting how anxiety impacts the entire body.

Janelle

8 months ago

The body sensations, I feel dizzy because I’m breathing so shallow and if someone is talking to me I can’t handle it, it’s like they are talking in a different language and I can’t understand a word they are saying.

225

Stefanie

8 months ago

The point of exhaustion I feel and how sick I get (hives) and stomach issues - its debilitating and keeps me from getting things done which gives me more anxiety

278

renee

7 months ago

Feeling dizzy from my racing heart or that I’m going to faint. The worst is when a full blown panic attack is happening and I feel not in control like something bad is going to happen

199

Dana

6 months ago

The physical symptoms. My racing heart, my uneven breathing, the numbness in my limbs. The constant borage of thoughts on a never ending loop.

176

Our community discussed

How Can Anxiety Impact Social Interactions and Daily Functioning?

Anxiety frequently affects how people interact with the world and others. Community members discussed struggles with social situations, fear of judgment, impacts on relationships, and how anxiety can lead to procrastination and paralysis in everyday tasks.

Salla

5 months ago

Thinking everyone hates me and looking for proof of this

215

Michael

7 months ago

I break down anytime I'm around a crowd, I just completely shut down and can't do anything.

165

Manu

7 months ago

It affects my relationships and stops me from making new friends. This impacts me in my personal life and professional life. I’ve never felt this kind of loneliness and isolation. I wasn’t always like this and I use to be very social, so it’s also hard for me to accept and embrace this new reality.

310

Erika

6 months ago

The procrastination that turns into paralysis. Putting off simple tasks and then later becoming so overwhelmed that I just freeze up and struggle to know what to do next. And if someone asks about one of those simple tasks… I lose it.

322

Our community discussed

Does Anxiety Make You Feel Like You're Losing Control?

A significant challenge highlighted by the community is the feeling of being powerless against anxiety. Many described knowing their fears are irrational but being unable to stop the spiral, feeling trapped or like an observer to their own distress.

Maria

7 months ago

Feeling crazy.

kevin

7 months ago

Getting out of the anxiety mode, like even after I do something that makes me anxious, the anxiety of the trigger still lingers for a while

158

John

7 months ago

Losing control. I know that my worries are irrational but I can’t stop myself. It’s like having an out of body experience - I see myself spiraling but I can’t find a grip to stop.

330

Sophie

6 months ago

I just feel powerless, anxiety takes over and i just have to watch it unfold. I put to much in a box in my brain and when it opens, its always too much

181

Advice from our community

How to Cope with Anxiety Based on Real Experiences

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Instead of fighting the emotion, try acknowledging it. As Melissa shared, sometimes acceptance ("Let it hurt," "Let it heal") can be a step towards processing the feeling.
Ground Yourself in the Present: Anxiety often pulls focus to the past or future. Casey's struggle highlights the value of finding ways (like mindfulness or focusing on senses) to anchor yourself in the current moment.
Manage Overwhelm: When feeling overwhelmed by thoughts or sensations (like Janelle described), try reducing sensory input or using techniques like deep breathing (mentioned by Melissa) or distraction (like Brittani's use of podcasts) to regulate.
Challenge Irrational Thoughts: Recognize when thoughts are spiraling (like John and Ali described). Natalie's insight about hindsight being clearer suggests trying to gently question anxious thoughts in the moment or reminding yourself they aren't necessarily truth.
Address Physical Symptoms: Pay attention to your body's signals (like Stefanie, Renee, and Dana mentioned). Techniques like breathing exercises, managing stress triggers, or even seeking support for physical health conditions linked to anxiety (like Brittani) can help.
Seek Connection: Anxiety can lead to isolation (as Manu described). Sharing your struggles (like Javier did with his partner) or simply connecting with others who understand can make a significant difference.