Anxiety is a sensation of discomfort and is frequently generalized and unfocused as a response to a circumstance that is only seen as dangerous subjectively. It is often accompanied with muscle tension, restlessness, weariness, breathing difficulty, abdominal tightness, nausea, and concentration issues. Anxiety is closely associated to fear, which is a reaction to an actual or perceived immediate danger (fight or flight response); although anxiety is more often a response to the prospect of a future threat, which includes dread. People who are anxious may retreat from circumstances that have previously caused them worry.

Though anxiety is a typical human reaction, it may be labeled as an anxiety disorder if it is severe or persists beyond developmentally acceptable intervals. There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with its own clinical description (for example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). Part of what separates an anxiety disorder from everyday anxiety is that it is persistent, often lasting 6 months or more, but the length requirement is meant as a general guide with some leeway and is occasionally of shorter duration in youngsters.

To prevent thoughts of fear and dread, your symptoms may force you to retreat from social interaction (visiting relatives and friends). You may also find going to work tough and unpleasant, and you may need to miss work. These activities may cause you to be even more concerned about yourself and exacerbate your low self-esteem.