We all experience anxiety when we are starting something new that may be a little overwhelming. This is perfectly normal and sometimes even helpful as a little anxiety that is short-acting, can sometimes sharpen our focus and help us to perform. But when the intensity doesn’t match the circumstances or when it doesn’t go away after a stressor is gone, then you may be experiencing anxiety. It’s helpful to know a little bit more about what is fact or fiction so that you can feel more empowered to seek help or help someone you love get the help they deserve. As with all mental health concerns, we hear a lot of catchphrases and opinions about it, and at times it's hard to know what is true. So let’s do some myth-busting today.
Myth 1: Anxiety is just stress.
One of the most persistent myths about anxiety is that it is simply another word for stress, a natural part of everyday life. While stress and anxiety can feel similar, they are not the same. Stress is a short-term response to a specific threat or challenge, like a looming deadline or an argument with a loved one. It tends to resolve once the stressor is gone. It can be uncomfortable but typically feels manageable.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is more chronic. It often presents and persists even when there is no immediate threat. Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. While stress can be uncomfortable, anxiety often involves specific thought patterns such as rumination or intrusive thoughts.
Rumination feels like you are on the race track, and you cannot get off. Intrusive thoughts jump into your awareness at the most inconvenient moments and hijack your focus, and your peace, and sometimes make you feel like you have to fix things somehow. Anxiety has physical symptoms that can come with anxiety (such as a racing heart or difficulty breathing), and which can lead to avoidance behaviors. It’s important to understand that anxiety is more than just an exaggerated stress response—it's a mental health condition with treatment that can help.
Myth 2: Anxiety is a sign of weakness.
Thankfully, this belief is starting to dwindle as mental health stigma is diminishing. When people do not understand something in themselves or others it is easy to jump into judgment mode & downplay or shame someone or something.
However, anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of how "strong" they are perceived to be. People from all walks of life—students, professionals, athletes, and celebrities—experience anxiety. It’s essential to view anxiety in the same way we view other health conditions, like diabetes or asthma. You wouldn’t consider someone with asthma weak for needing an inhaler, and in the same way, someone with anxiety shouldn't be judged for seeking therapy or taking medication.
Myth 3: People with anxiety should just “calm down” or “snap out of it.”
People who have experienced anxiety desperately wish that the Nike slogan of “just do it” would work when it comes to anxiety. Nothing feels worse than unwanted emotions that leave you keyed up, on edge, and constantly worrying. Statements like “Just relax,” or “You’re overthinking it,” can be incredibly harmful because they minimize the real and overwhelming experiences that people with anxiety face.
Anxiety disorders are not just a matter of overthinking or worrying excessively—they involve changes in brain chemistry that make it difficult for individuals to regulate their emotions. Telling someone with anxiety to “calm down” is like telling someone with a broken leg to “just walk.” The symptoms are often beyond their control and require professional support to manage.
Encouraging self-care, offering empathy, and guiding individuals to seek professional treatment (such as therapy or medication) are much more helpful responses than telling them to simply get over it.
Myth 4: Anxiety only affects the mind.
Many people assume anxiety is purely a mental issue, but its effects are far-reaching and often very physical. Anxiety can manifest in the body in a variety of ways, including:
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
Muscle tension or pain
Sweating or chills
Dizziness or light-headedness
Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain
Fatigue or insomnia
In fact, many individuals with anxiety disorders first seek medical help because they are experiencing physical symptoms and may not initially recognize that anxiety is the root cause. Understanding that anxiety affects both the mind and body is critical in destigmatizing the condition and recognizing its full impact on a person's health and well-being.
Myth 5: Anxiety will go away on its own if you ignore it.
Some believe that anxiety is something you can just “wait out” and that, eventually, it will fade on its own. Unfortunately, this isn’t usually the case. Anxiety disorders often worsen over time without proper treatment and intervention. Ignoring anxiety or avoiding situations that trigger it can actually strengthen its grip, leading to more intense symptoms and greater impairment in daily life.
The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and some of the trauma modalities can also help anxiety to be more manageable. Medications are also good options for helping to reduce anxiety. The earlier someone seeks treatment, the better their chances of managing anxiety effectively and improving their quality of life.
Myth 6: Anxiety is always caused by a traumatic event.
While trauma can trigger anxiety in some individuals, anxiety disorders are not always tied to a specific event. Anxiety can arise from a complex interplay of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, environmental stressors, and personality traits.
For some, anxiety may develop gradually over time, without a clear “cause” or triggering event. Others may experience situational anxiety, such as fear of public speaking, while some have a more generalized form of anxiety that permeates many aspects of their lives. It's important to recognize that anxiety is not always rooted in a specific event or trauma, and each person's experience is unique.
Myth 7: People with anxiety can't lead successful lives.
Finally, one of the most harmful myths is that anxiety prevents people from living fulfilling, successful lives. While anxiety can be debilitating at times, many individuals manage their symptoms with the right support and go on to lead happy, productive, and successful lives. With proper treatment and coping strategies, individuals with anxiety can achieve their goals and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
If you feel like your worry seems like it has taken over or always interfered with your ability to do what you’d really like to do, do not hesitate to seek help. You can see your medical doctor or set up an appointment with a therapist. Both can talk with you to determine what type of anxiety symptoms you are having and which anxiety disorder you may be experiencing. Actively trying to seek support will help you better understand yourself and your struggles. You will also be able to gain tools to help you cope better, reduce symptoms, and learn how to cope with your anxiety in more effective ways.
Start Therapy for Anxiety in Salt Lake City, UT
If you or a loved one needs help, reach out & give us a call 801-699-6161. We work with anyone with anxiety, and we specialize in working with students from B.Y.U., U.V.U, U.S.U, and the U of U. Our team of caring therapists offers sessions virtually to accommodate your busy schedule. You can start your therapy journey with Inside Wellness by following these simple steps:
Contact us or give us a call at 801-699-6161
Meet with a caring therapist
Start coping with your anxiety in more healthy ways!
Other Services Offered with Inside Wellness
Anxiety treatment isn’t the only service that is offered by Inside Wellness. Our team is happy to offer support with other forms of mental health support including eating disorder treatment and body image therapy. Learn more about the support in person or online therapy can offer today by visiting our blog or FAQ today.