Understanding Anxiety: Why the Details of Your Experience Matter

Anxiety is one of the most universal human experiences. Everyone feels it from time to time, whether it’s butterflies before a big event, worry about loved ones, or nervousness in unfamiliar situations. For some, anxiety is a passing feeling. For others, it can become so pervasive and overwhelming that it interferes with daily life.

But here’s something many people don’t realize: not all anxiety is the same. What you feel may be very different from what your friend, coworker, or partner experiences. And because anxiety has so many shapes and forms, the path toward healing depends on recognizing and addressing the details of your particular struggles.

At Walk With Me Counseling Center in Chicago, Illinois, we know that details matter. Understanding the unique way your anxiety shows up in your body, thoughts, and behaviors is the first step toward finding the right treatment and reclaiming a sense of calm.

Why Anxiety Looks Different for Everyone

The word “anxiety” is often used as a catch-all term. One person might say, “I’m anxious to meet you” (meaning excited). Another might confess, “My anxiety is so debilitating I can’t leave the house.” A third might say, “I’m anxious about whether it will rain on my birthday.”

These three statements all use the word “anxiety,” yet they reflect entirely different experiences. This is why conversations about anxiety can sometimes feel confusing—you and someone else might be describing completely different realities.

The Airplane Example

Imagine a plane boarding for a cross-country flight. In row 17, six passengers sit side by side. Each reports being “anxious,” yet the reasons—and the nature of their fears—are vastly different.

• Seat 17A – Panic Disorder
  This passenger worries most about losing control. “When the doors close, I’ll feel trapped. My heart will race, I’ll struggle to breathe, and I won’t be able to control it.” Their fear isn’t of the plane itself, but of having a panic attack during the flight.

• Seat 17B – Social Anxiety Disorder
  Here, the fear revolves around judgment. “What if I look pale or shaky? What if people think something is wrong with me—or worse, that I’m dangerous?” For this person, the fear is about others noticing their anxiety and responding negatively.

• Seat 17C – Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  This passenger focuses on germs. “Did I touch the armrest? What if I catch something and pass it on to my kids? This cabin is one big incubator.” The anxiety is fueled by intrusive, obsessive thoughts and compulsive attempts to control contamination.

• Seat 17D – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  Flying triggers painful memories for this passenger. A past trauma—losing a loved one in a plane crash—resurfaces, causing overwhelming fear, grief, and flashbacks. Half of them is physically present, but emotionally they’re reliving the past.

• Seat 17E – Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  This person worries constantly. “What if the pilot is hungover? What if the plane crashes? What if I get sick and can’t enjoy my trip?” The stream of “what ifs” feels endless, producing ongoing tension, worry, and unease.

• Seat 17F – Specific Phobia
  This passenger has a fear of flying itself. “What if the weather makes the flight dangerous? What if something goes wrong and I don’t survive?” Their anxiety centers directly on the possibility of the plane crashing.

All six are “afraid of flying,” yet each anxiety is rooted in different triggers, thought patterns, and underlying fears.

A More Everyday Example

Now picture a line of women waiting outside a public restroom. Each is anxious, but again, their concerns differ:

• “What if it’s dirty?” – OCD

• “What if someone talks to me?” – Social Anxiety

• “What if I panic in the stall?” – Panic Disorder

• “I was assaulted in a bathroom once.” – PTSD

• “What if I can’t urinate?” – Shy bladder (Paruresis)

• “This line is wasting time, and I feel uncomfortable with how I look today.” – GAD

These are all valid forms of anxiety. And many people live with more than one type simultaneously.

Why Details Matter

So, why does it matter to distinguish between these types of anxiety? Because effective treatment depends on identifying the specific nature of your experience.

• Someone with panic disorder may benefit from learning how to calm their body’s alarm response.

• Someone with social anxiety may work best with therapy that challenges fears of judgment and builds confidence in social settings.

• Someone with OCD may require exposure and response prevention strategies to break the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

• Someone with PTSD needs trauma-informed therapy that helps them process and heal from painful past experiences.

• Someone with GAD benefits from techniques that address chronic worry, relaxation practices, and strategies for reducing tension.

• Someone with a specific phobia can benefit from gradual exposure therapy focused directly on their fear.

Treating anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Even if two people describe being “anxious on a plane,” their healing paths may look completely different.

How to Better Understand Your Anxiety

Whether you’re trying to cope on your own or considering professional support, here are some practical steps you can take to clarify what you’re experiencing:

1. Name the details. Pay attention to what exactly triggers your anxiety. Is it physical sensations, social situations, memories, or specific dangers?

2. Notice your inner dialogue. What thoughts show up when you’re anxious? Do they sound like “I can’t control this,” “Everyone is watching me,” or “What if something bad happens?”

3. Track physical sensations. Rapid heartbeat, sweating, shallow breathing, tense muscles—these can all signal different types of anxiety responses.

4. Look for patterns. When do your symptoms flare up? Are they tied to specific events, times of day, or stressors?

5. Acknowledge overlap. It’s common to experience more than one type of anxiety. Being aware of this can prevent you from oversimplifying your struggles.

The Role of Professional Support

Anxiety is treatable, but lasting relief often requires the right tools and guidance. A trained therapist can help you:

• Identify the unique type(s) of anxiety you’re experiencing.

• Understand the root causes behind your thoughts and physical responses.

• Learn coping strategies tailored to your needs.

• Heal from past trauma if it’s contributing to your current anxiety.

• Build healthier thought patterns, habits, and routines that support long-term well-being.

At Walk With Me Counseling Center, we’ve helped countless people across Illinois work through anxiety in its many forms. We take the time to understand your unique situation—because no two anxiety stories are the same.

Election Stress and Anxiety

While anxiety can show up in many areas of life, political seasons bring unique challenges. Heated conversations, conflicting opinions, and constant news updates can leave you feeling on edge.

Election stress isn’t just about politics—it’s about the emotional toll of division, uncertainty, and conflict in relationships. Many people find that their anxiety worsens during these times, especially when disagreements strain connections with friends, family, or coworkers.

This is why it’s so important to prioritize your mental health right now. Having a safe, nonjudgmental space to process your emotions and build coping strategies can make all the difference.

You Don’t Have to Face Anxiety Alone

Anxiety comes in many forms, but one truth remains the same: it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, you can learn to manage it, reduce its grip, and reclaim peace of mind.

At Walk With Me Counseling Center in Chicago, Illinois, we specialize in helping people just like you. Whether you’re struggling with panic, social anxiety, trauma, or everyday worries, we’ll work with you to create a plan tailored to your specific needs.

Call to Action

Walk With Me Counseling Center is here to help if you're overwhelmed by anxiety, election stress, or political disagreements. We offer virtual therapy sessions across Illinois, so support is just a click away no matter where you are—whether in Chicago or another part of the state.

Complete our Intake Form today and take the first step toward protecting your mental health during this intense election season.

Your mental well-being should be your top priority, especially during times of stress and uncertainty. Don’t let anxiety strain your relationships, disrupt your peace, or leave you feeling stuck. Whether you’re in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois, we’re here to help you face these challenges with strength and support.