What feels like anxiety but isn't?
Asked by: Prof. Kitty Heidenreich PhD | Last update: July 2, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (63 votes)
Several physical health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, POTS, and caffeine sensitivity, can cause symptoms indistinguishable from anxiety—including racing heart, shakiness, and panic-like feelings—despite not being a mental health disorder.
How do I know it's anxiety and not something else?
Anxiety is likely the cause if symptoms like racing thoughts, irrational fear, and tension persist, interfere with daily life, or occur without a direct physical threat. It becomes a concern when it’s chronic (lasting 6+ months) or causes overwhelming panic. If symptoms don't resolve with rest or are accompanied by fever, pain, or fainting, it may be a medical issue.
Does low choline cause anxiety?
Research shows a strong link between choline and anxiety, though scientists are still determining if low choline causes anxiety or if anxiety causes choline levels to drop.
What is false anxiety?
False anxiety comes from physical imbalances in your body rather than psychological distress. Blood sugar crashes create feelings of panic and doom. Caffeine overstimulates your nervous system and mimics anxiety symptoms. Inflammation throughout your body triggers anxious feelings through immune system signals.
What does a panic attack feel like?
A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming surge of intense fear or extreme discomfort that peaks within minutes. It physically mimics a medical emergency—like a heart attack or an asthma attack—often accompanied by a terrifying sense of impending doom or the fear of losing complete control.
The Different Levels of Anxiety
What are the 12 warning signs of a panic attack?
Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:
- Sense of impending doom or danger.
- Fear of loss of control or death.
- Rapid, pounding heart rate.
- Sweating.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat.
- Chills.
- Hot flashes.
How to snap out of a panic attack?
To stop a panic attack in the moment, focus on grounding your senses, regulating your breathing, and using cold temperatures to shock your nervous system back to reality. Effective techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, holding ice, using the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory grounding method, and reminding yourself that the sensation is temporary and safe.
What is the #1 worst habit for anxiety?
Avoidance is widely considered the #1 worst habit for anxiety, as it provides short-term relief but reinforces long-term fear, making anxiety more powerful and harder to manage over time. By avoiding situations, tasks, or emotions, you teach your brain that the fear is dangerous and that you cannot handle it.
What is imposter anxiety?
Those who suffer from imposter syndrome attribute their success to external factors, rather than their own merit, and believe that most (or all) of their achievements are a result of chance or error.
What vitamin are you lacking if you suffer from anxiety?
Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. For this reason, vitamin D screening should be performed in the prevention and treatment planning of these mood disorders.
What is high functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety refers to individuals who experience chronic anxiety symptoms—such as persistent worry, fear, and perfectionism—while maintaining high levels of productivity, success, and outwardly calm behavior. Although it is not a formal clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5, it is a recognized, valid, and often hidden, struggle with mental health. Individuals appear highly organized and capable, often driving themselves to excel, but this comes at a high cost of internal burnout and stress.
What are signs of low choline?
Low levels of choline have been associated with cognitive decline, memory impairment, and difficulties with learning and focus. In severe cases, choline deficiency can contribute to neurological disorders, including muscle weakness and cognitive dysfunction. One key cognitive impact is related to impaired memory.
Can anxiety cause weird physical symptoms?
Tension headaches (mild to moderate pain that feels like having a tight band around your head) are common among people with anxiety, according to the ADAA. It's also common to feel tension and soreness in the shoulders, neck and jaw.
Am I seriously ill or is it anxiety?
Check if you have health anxiety
You may have health anxiety if you: constantly worry about your health. frequently check your body for signs of illness, such as lumps, tingling or pain. are always asking people for reassurance that you're not ill.
Can anxiety make you feel like things aren't real?
Yes, severe anxiety and chronic stress can absolutely cause you to feel, see, or hear things that are not there. Anxiety often triggers physical symptoms and cognitive distortions, leading to sensory hallucinations or feelings of unreality. These are common, generally harmless, and typically pass when anxiety levels subside.
Who is most prone to anxiety?
Individuals prone to anxiety often possess high neuroticism, low extraversion (introversion), or high conscientiousness, making them sensitive to stress, prone to overthinking, and inclined to worry. Other factors include genetic predispositions, a history of trauma, or chronic illness. They may also display "high-functioning anxiety," appearing successful while internally experiencing high stress.
What are the 5 warning signs that someone is chronically stressed?
What are the symptoms of chronic stress?
- Aches and pains.
- Insomnia or sleepiness.
- A change in social behavior, such as staying in often.
- Low energy.
- Unfocused or cloudy thinking.
- Change in appetite.
- Increased alcohol or drug use.
- Change in emotional responses to others.
What should you avoid when you have anxiety?
To manage anxiety effectively, it is essential to avoid, or heavily limit, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and high-sugar items, which can trigger symptoms like panic attacks, jitters, and mood swings. Avoid suppressing negative emotions, isolating yourself, or neglecting self-care like sleep.
What causes anxiety symptoms but isn't anxiety?
Experiencing physical anxiety symptoms without feeling mentally anxious is common, often caused by the body reacting to lingering, chronic stress rather than active worries. This often occurs when stress levels are elevated for so long they feel "normal," or when subconscious stress manifests physically.
How to stop overthinking and anxiety?
Stopping overthinking and anxiety requires interrupting anxious thought loops by focusing on the present, challenging irrational thoughts, and taking small actions. Key strategies include practicing mindfulness (meditation, breathing), limiting information overload, journaling, and using grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method to reconnect with your surroundings.
What does the er give for a panic attack?
If you go to the ER for anxiety, and you're experiencing intense physical symptoms, you may be given a sedative to help you relax. You'll likely also need some tests to rule out more serious conditions. These may include an EKG to check heart rhythm, blood tests or a chest X-ray to assess your heart and lung function.
What not to do during a panic attack?
During a panic attack, avoid fighting the sensation, fleeing the scene immediately, or over-breathing, as these actions often intensify symptoms and prolong the experience. Do not use alcohol or drugs to cope, and avoid holding your breath, which can make you feel more panicked. Instead, try grounding exercises, such as identifying items in your surroundings, and allow the feelings to pass naturally.
How long does an anxiety attack typically last?
Anxiety and panic attacks typically peak within 5 to 10 minutes and last between 15 and 30 minutes in total, although physical and emotional symptoms can linger for an hour or longer. While often intense, these episodes are temporary and rarely last for hours, although exhaustion may persist afterward.