You’re Not Just Over-Anxious — This Is Anxiety
By Ghosia Ahmed, Mental Health Advocate and Psychology Writer
Ever been told, “You worry too much”? Or “It’s all in your head”? If you have, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not overreacting.
Anxiety isn’t just a case of nerves before an exam or a job interview. It’s a mental tug-of-war that can silently take over your thoughts, drain your energy, and convince you that something is always going wrong—even when everything looks fine on the outside.
So let’s talk about it. Honestly. Openly. Because once you understand what anxiety really is, you’re already one step closer to healing.
It’s Not Just Stress — It’s Something Deeper
We all feel anxious from time to time. It’s our brain’s way of staying alert and protecting us from danger. But when that anxious feeling overstays its welcome—showing up uninvited to your conversations, your sleep, your decision-making—it stops being helpful and starts being harmful.
Anxiety disorders don’t just make you feel uneasy. They can cause real, physical symptoms like chest tightness, headaches, nausea, and constant fatigue. And here’s the thing: it’s not a weakness. It’s a real condition. And it’s more common than you think.
Just How Common Is Anxiety?
Across the world, anxiety affects over 300 million people, according to the World Health Organization. That’s nearly the entire population of the U.S. or the whole of Western Europe—living each day with invisible battles.
In India, the picture isn’t much different. Roughly 1 in 7 people live with some form of mental health disorder, and anxiety is one of the biggest culprits. What’s even more striking is that women are almost twice as likely to be affected as men—thanks to a mix of biological, emotional, and societal factors that often go ignored or invalidated.
Anxiety Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Anxiety wears many masks, and not all of them look the same. You might be living with:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
– the “I can’t stop worrying even when there’s nothing wrong” kind.
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Panic Disorder
– sudden waves of fear or panic that feel like heart attacks.
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Social Anxiety
– the fear of being judged, rejected, or just seen.
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Phobias
– intense fear of specific things like heights, flying, or even public speaking.
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Separation Anxiety or Selective Mutism
– often seen in children, but adults aren’t immune.
Understanding which one resonates with you can be a powerful step in finding the right help.
Want to explore more about how anxiety impacts relationships? Check out our blog post on Does Your Loved One Truly Feel Loved? to understand emotional connections better.
What Does Anxiety Actually Feel Like?
Anxiety isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t always scream—it often whispers. And recognizing its voice is key to regaining control. Some common symptoms include:
- A constant feeling of worry or dread, even when things are “fine”
- Racing thoughts or an overactive mind
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
- Fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
- Muscle tension, trembling, or restlessness
- Upset stomach, nausea, or digestive issues
- Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest tightness
- Difficulty sleeping—either falling asleep or staying asleep
- Avoiding social situations, work, or decision-making
- A feeling that something bad is going to happen, but you don’t know what
Everyone’s experience is different—but if several of these symptoms feel familiar, it might be time to check in with your mental health.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
The hard truth? Anxiety doesn’t just fade away if you pretend it’s not there.
Left untreated, it can snowball into something much bigger—like chronic health issues, depression, burnout, or complete emotional shutdown. It can distance you from people you love. It can shrink your world and keep you stuck in a cycle of fear and avoidance.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Yes, You Can Feel Better—Here’s How
There’s no shame in needing help—and no one-size-fits-all solution either. But there are proven ways to take control of your anxiety:
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Therapy works.
Talking to a trained mental health professional—especially through CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)—can change how you respond to fear and rewire negative thought patterns.
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Medication
may be useful in some cases, especially for managing severe symptoms. Always under a doctor’s care.
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Daily habits matter
Exercise, a regular sleep routine, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and cutting down on caffeine or screen time can do wonders.
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Digital support tools
like the Trusme app offer easy access to licensed therapists, emotional tracking tools, and a safe space to understand and manage your mental health from the comfort of your home.
Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but it absolutely happens with the right steps and support.
Let’s End the Silence Around Anxiety
If anxiety is knocking at your door, please know this: you’re not weak. You’re not overreacting. And you are definitely not alone.
What you’re feeling is valid. It’s real. And it deserves care—not shame.
So the next time someone says, “You’re just too sensitive,” remind yourself: I’m not over-anxious. I’m working through something real—and I’m allowed to heal.
Ready to dive deeper into mental health topics? Visit our Trusme blogs page for more insights and resources to support your journey.