What does anxiety feel like?

Jason, a high school student, is very concerned about a lot of things in his life. Often, he has trouble falling asleep at night because he is so nervous and worried. He worries that he will not make high enough grades to get into a good college. He worries that his mom and dad might get a divorce. He worries that he won’t make the basketball team. Sometimes Jason feels physically sick, like he might throw up, when he worries about things. He wants to stop being so nervous all the time, but he is afraid that his worst thoughts may come true.

Jason suffers from anxiety. While it is common for people to be worried about certain things, people with anxiety worry almost all of the time. They spend a lot of time thinking about what negative things might happen to them or their family. Teenagers with anxiety often feel overwhelmed by their concerns, sometimes to the point of becoming physically ill. Anxiety is a real emotional disturbance; it’s not just something a person can snap out of. Anxiety can be treated, allowing a person to have happier life with a lot less worrying.