Anxiety Reaction
Anxiety is the feeling we all get when we think something bad might happen. It is a normal response to stress. It most often causes only a mild reaction. But it can interfere with daily life when anxiety is more severe. In some cases, you may not know what you’re anxious about. Anxiety seems to have both mental and physical triggers. You may have stress from home and family. Or work and social relationships. Anxiety tends to run in families. This may mean it’s linked to genes.
During an anxiety reaction, you may feel:
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Helpless.
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Nervous.
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Depressed.
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Grouchy.
Your body may show signs of anxiety in many ways. You may have:
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Dry mouth.
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Shakiness.
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Dizziness.
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Weakness.
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Trouble breathing.
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Fast breathing.
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Chest pressure.
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Sweating.
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Headache.
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Nausea.
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Diarrhea.
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Tiredness.
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Inability to sleep.
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Sexual problems.
Home care
Try to find those things that set off anxiety in your life. They may not be obvious. They may include:
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Daily hassles of life. This can include traffic jams, missed appointments, or car troubles.
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Major life changes. This means both good changes. This includes a new baby or job promotion. This can also mean tough life changes, such as loss of a job or loss of a loved one.
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Overload. This means feeling that you have too many responsibilities and you can't take care of all of them.
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Feeling helpless. You may feel you don’t have any control or choices. You may feel that your problems can't be solved.
Notice how your body reacts to stress. This will help you take action before the stress sets off anxiety. Make changes to reduce the sources of your stress when you can. But stress in life often can't be prevented. It is important to learn how to manage stress to reduce anxiety. There are many proven methods that will reduce your anxiety. These include:
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Exercise.
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Good nutrition.
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Getting enough sleep.
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Relaxation methods.
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Breathing exercises.
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Visualization.
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Biofeedback.
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Meditation.
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Counseling.
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Medicine.
For more information about this, talk with your doctor. Or check online or at your local library or bookstore. You'll find many books and audiobooks on this subject.
Follow-up care
Call your doctor if you feel your anxiety is not getting better with self-help. Or make an appointment with a counselor. You may need short-term counseling or medicine to help you manage anxiety.
Call 911
Call 911 if:
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You have trouble breathing.
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You feel confused.
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You feel drowsy or have trouble waking up.
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You faint.
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You have a rapid heart rate.
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You have a seizure.
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You have new chest pain that becomes more severe, lasts longer, or spreads into your shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back.
If you are in a crisis or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988right away. This is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will be connected to a trained counselor you can talk to. There's also an online chat option. You can also call Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). The 988 Lifeline is free and available 24/7.
When to contact your doctor
Contact your doctor right away if:
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Lalitha Kadali
Online Medical Reviewer:
Michelle Anderson DNP
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.