What is Anxiety Really? My First-Hand Experience and Why You’re Not Alone

I want to start with love and honesty. I’m sorry to those who casually say, “I have anxiety,” before a job interview or a big exam. That’s nerves. That’s stress. But clinical anxiety or Generalized Anxiety Disorder is not a moment. It’s a mode of existence. For five years, I lived in a constant state of survival. My mind was always scanning for danger, my body always on high alert like I was going to burst into flames at any second. It didn’t take much to trigger it. A loud sound. A wrong look. A message left unread. And then — boom. 

• Heart racing
• Palms sweating
• Armpits soaking through my shirt
• Face flushed
• Blood pressure spiking
  
  

Sometimes, I felt like I was going to pass out, cry, scream… or do all three at once. And all I did was walk into a grocery store.  

Anxiety isn’t just “being a worrier.” It’s carrying a catalogue of fears with you everywhere:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of embarrassment
• Fear of being seen
• Fear of being heard
• Fear of being bullied or humiliated
• Fear of even being… complimented
• Fear of being loved….Yes — even love can feel unsafe.
  
  

And here’s why: Inside your brain is the limbic system—it’s part of what we call the mammalian brain. It includes the amygdala, the part that sounds the alarm when it senses danger. This system controls your fight, flight, or freeze response. It evolved to protect you from real threats like a predator or a fire. It prepares your body to act fast: adrenaline rushes in, your heart pounds, your muscles tighten and you are ready to go.

But in people who’ve experienced trauma or chronic stress, this system becomes overly sensitive. It starts to overreact, even when you’re safe. Sometimes it starts from a single traumatic event and at other times it’s from repeated wounds — bullying, neglect, emotional abuse. Your brain decides: “You are never safe.”

The state of anxiety is not a weakness although in that moment it can feel like it. And anxiety isn’t “all in your head.” It’s also in your shoulders, your chest, your gut, your skin. For me, it became chronic pain in my shoulder and arm. Later, it even showed up as an autoimmune skin condition. 

Here’s the truth I wish I had known sooner:
You’re not broken.
You’re not weak.
You’re over-adapted to fear.

And what is learned…..can be unlearned.
It’s possible to retrain your mind and body to feel safe again.
To breathe fully. To connect deeply. To live freely.

If this spoke to you — you are not alone. I share my own journey because I want you to know there is a path forward.

Through Serenova Coaching, I help people stuck in fear, anxiety, depression to overcome this state of being. Our approach is based in compassion, positive psychology and energy healing practices which works on the root cause of the fears. Connect via Whatsapp or Contact Us form if you need a friend or guide to support you, Love you! 

FAQs About Anxiety

1. How do I know if it’s anxiety or just stress?
   
   Stress is usually linked to a specific event and fades when it’s over. Anxiety could be ongoing and can appear even when nothing “bad” is happening.
   
   
2. Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
   
   Yes. Anxiety can trigger heart palpitations, muscle tension, headaches, stomach issues, dizziness, and even skin conditions due to the constant stress response.
   
   
3. How can I recover from anxiety?
   
   Recovery is possible through a mix of approaches like therapy, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, movement, healthy lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. Remember: Be gentle with yourself! 
   
   
4. I feel broken because of my anxiety. What should I do?
   
   You are not broken — your body has over-adapted to survive. Begin by seeking support, understanding your triggers, and learning calming techniques to retrain your nervous system. I can help, Love you. 
   
   
5. Can anxiety ever fully go away?
   
   Yes, many people significantly reduce or even eliminate chronic anxiety with the right support and tools. While occasional worry is normal, constant anxiety does not have to be your lifelong reality.