Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns but anxiety is also a normal part of being a human. Everyone will experience anxiety at some point - whether before an exam, an interview or even waiting for an important phone call. Anxiety can even be helpful with performance and it is very helpful in keeping us safe! The difficulties with anxiety comes when it starts to be persistent and starts interfering with everyday life. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about anxiety.
Where does anxiety come from?
Anxiety is linked to the brain’s fight-or-flight system — a survival mechanism that prepares us for danger by speeding up the heart, sharpening focus, and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. While this response is really important in true emergencies, everyday stressors such as deadlines, finances, or health concerns can trigger the same reaction, even when no immediate threat exists. Normally, other parts of the brain, like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, help keep this alarm system regulated. If these parts don’t step in quickly enough, the fight-or-flight system can run the show, leaving us feeling anxious even when we’re safe.
There are a number of factors that influence whether someone is more prone to anxiety. These include: genetics, brain chemistry, neurodivergence and life experiences (e.g. trauma and ongoing stress). (American Psychiatrist Association, 2022).
How does anxiety affect your body?
Anxiety is experienced physically and common body symptoms include:
• Racing heart or chest tightness
• Upset stomach, nausea, or digestive issues
• Muscle tension, headaches, or jaw clenching
• Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
When anxiety becomes chronic, these physical effects can build up over time, contributing to fatigue, high blood pressure, and even a lowered immune response (Harvard Health Publishing, 2020).
How does anxiety affect daily life?
For some people, anxiety can show up as constant ‘what if’ thinking. For others, it might look like avoidance, irritability, or ongoing physical symptoms. However it appears, anxiety can interfere with daily life by:
Making social situations feel overwhelming
Reducing focus and productivity at work or school
Creating conflict or distance in relationships
Taking away the enjoyment of hobbies and downtime
Anxiety can limit what feels possible day to day, but support and strategies can help restore balance.
Why is anxiety worse at night and in the morning?
At night, when things are quiet, worries often get louder. Without distractions, the brain tends to replay the day or imagine worst-case scenarios. If we have left our emotions unchecked in the day, our brains can try process them at night. In the morning, cortisol—the body’s stress hormone—naturally spikes to help us wake up. For those prone to anxiety, that cortisol surge can feel like dread or racing thoughts before the day has even started.
This cycle of poor sleep and heightened anxiety can feed into itself, making both worse (Alfonsi et al., 2020).
When is anxiety a problem?
Everyone can feel anxious sometimes. It becomes a problem when it:
• Happens often and feels difficult to control
• Interferes with daily life (work, study, relationships, or self-care)
• Leads to avoidance of situations, people, or places
• Causes distressing physical symptoms like panic attacks or constant tension
If you notice that anxiety is getting in the way of how you want to live your life, it’s a sign it might be time to seek extra support.
What can I do when anxiety gets too much?
If anxiety feels overwhelming, here are some practical tools that can help:
Grounding exercises: Tune into your senses—notice five things you can see, four you can feel, three you can hear, two you can smell, one you can taste.
Move your body: Exercise, stretching, or even a walk can release tension and shift energy.
Talk it out: Sharing with a friend or family member can help you process anxious thoughts.
Professional support: If anxiety is interfering with your life, a psychologist or GP can help explore options like therapy, skills training, or medication.
Final thoughts
Anxiety is something we all experience, but when it starts taking over your daily life, you don’t have to go through it alone. Talking with a trusted friend can help, but working with a trained therapist gives you the tools and guidance to manage anxiety more effectively.
At Luminosity Psychology, our therapists are experienced in evidence-based anxiety treatment. If anxiety is getting in the way of how you want to live, we’re here to help you take back control. Click here to book an appointment and start your journey toward feeling lighter, balanced, and in charge of your life
**The content provided is general advice and should not replace individualised treatment. If you require immediate support, contact your local emergency department or a mental health crisis hotline (1800 011 511).
References
Alfonsi, V., Scarpelli, S., Gorgoni, M., & De Gennaro, L. (2020). Sleep-related anxiety in adolescents: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 3064. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17093064
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What are anxiety disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Anxiety: The common cold of mental health. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/anxiety-the-common-cold-of-mental-health
